‘Respect’ media freedom
WORLD Press Freedom Day must be a reminder to Government to respect the freedom of the media, says Unity Fiji Party leader Savenaca Narube.
He said because of the progressive invasion of the independence of the press, Fiji’s ranking had plummeted in the World Press Freedom Index.
“In 2006, Fiji was in 52nd place. We are now in 102nd place,” the former Reserve Bank of Fiji governor said.
“Fiji therefore did not have reasons to celebrate the World Press Freedom day on May 3.
“Instead, we must bow our heads in shame for not upholding an important pillar of democracy and freedom.
“While our 2013 self-imposed Constitution gives the impression that the people enjoy freedom of speech and expression, other laws like the Public Order Act, severely restrict that freedom.
“In my view, ‘national security’ has been repeatedly abused by this Government to suppress freedom and the media.
“There widespread
He said Government had no business owning media businesses.
“However, this Government uses ownership to heavily censure the press. Government owns, directly and indirectly, two TV is now misinformation.” stations, one newspaper and one radio station.
“That represents 80 per cent of the mainstream media in Fiji. If that was not enough, the recent monopoly of digital TV through the Walesi which Government owns, is another lurch at the controlling levers of the media.
“This Government is moving more and more to an autocratic
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“It aims to control everything especially information. Information is power.
“This Government has taken media censor to another dimension by introducing media weaponry in the social media.”
He said the manipulation of information by this Government is ultimately aimed at safeguarding their political power in the country.
“I expect this to tighten more as the support of FijiFirst erodes quickly.
“The lack of independent media together with manipulation of information will be the Government’s main weapon in this election campaign.
“Information control is a real threat to democracy. People must be aware and be on the lookout for media misinformation.
“I urge all opposition parties, NGOs and civil societies to work together to combat the erosion of media freedom through awareness and advocacy.
“A Unity Fiji government will restore media independence, remove information control and promote free speech.”