Rabuka on media freedom in Fiji

MEDIA freedom and democracy are intertwined, says The People’s Alliance party leader Sitiveni Rabuka in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day last week.

“You can’t have one without the other,” the former prime minister said.

“Democracy varies from country to country.

“Samoan democracy is different from the political system in Tonga.

“How it is practised in Fiji is not necessarily consistent with Australia and New Zealand.

“Normally, the abiding principle is that power lies with the people.

“They have the right through their votes to elect candidates with the ability to form a government.

“They also have the right to remove that government through the ballot box.”

Mr Rabuka said freedom of thought, information and the media was the oxygen that gives life and vitality to the workings of democracy.

“Celebration of Media Freedom Day reminds us that every day we depend on newspapers, television and other electronic and digital means of communication for data and news.

“As citizens, we need to be informed about events and developments in society.

“If we are not properly informed, we cannot truly fulfil our democratic obligations.

“These include observing and critically assessing the actions and policies of the government of the day.

“When we do this, we equip ourselves to exercise the judgment that helps determine whether those elected to office should continue, or be replaced.

“To me, an active and free press creates a progressive and self-correcting society. Admission of national wrongs is part of that. So is the ability to learn from mistakes.”