A-G’s attack a joke

I AM a keen reader of The Fiji Times for it is always genuine to publish people’s opinion on matters pertaining the nation and people’s opinion, however, I was greatly disturbed to read the A-G and Minister of Economy, Aiyaz SayedKhaiyum’s

attack when he said that The Fiji Times ‘A joke publication’ (FT 26/07).

The A-G in his attack specifically made reference to an article published in The Fiji Times (23/ 07), wherein Prof Biman Prasad shared his views, as an Opposition parliamentarian and economist, about $100 million debt servicing a month. In his defence, Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said that there was no critical analysis done and there was no input sought from them, and no contextualising of the matter.

I believe in many occasions, The Fiji Times would seek government’s response before publishing critical views against them, but to no avail, however, it would continue to express people’s opinions and acknowledge that they have sought responses and receive none in return.

Fred Wesley said and I quote “our journalists frequently ask the minister for responses to criticism of the budget, but he generally does not respond.” (FT 26/07).

I must congratulate The

Fiji Times editor Fred Wesley for his bold response to A-G’s attack on the newspaper when he said “The

Fiji Times does not exist to publish positive headlines for the Government. It exists to publish all views and to ensure there is balanced coverage of the views and balanced political debate”.

In my personal opinion, the reality of the matter is that the attack made by the A-G on The Fiji Times,

I believe is a joke, taking into consideration that the newspaper is always providing a platform for all opinions.

KOSITATINO TIKOMAIBOLATAGANE Vuninokonoko Rd, Navua