Fiji: Opposition Compliments FijiFirst Government

Tui Namosi  pn527

The government-owned Fiji Broadcasting Commission operates six radio stations, two in each of the three major languages, i-Taukei, Hindustani and English, and a free to air television service. The potential for media political bias is immense.

That's  not to say that the  Fiji Broadcasting Commission is slanting the news because its CEO Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is the brother of the Attorney-General and it four-member  board is government appointed. It's just that it could be. There are no independent checks on what it broadcasts — and appearances matter.

Fiji broadcasting has always been state-owned but the potential for bias, and suspicion of bias,  is greater today because of the nation's highly polarised political situatation.  I would certainly be more confident of its news if it had wider board membership.  Having said that, bias is more likely to be evident by not publishing news and less evident in the news published.  The two items to follow are certainly pro-government, but there's no reason to suspect their validity.

■ The Tui Namosi and SODELPA MP Ratu Suliano Matanitobua has thanked the government for their hard work in trying to take development to all Fijians.

Speaking at the Namosi Provincial Council meeting today, Ratu Suliano says the current government has gone through a lot and they deserve to be commended for their work.
Not mincing his words, Ratu Suliano says the government deserves to be applauded for providing development to the people.

I want to thank the government for the work that you have done so far, sometimes there is hardship and at times you are faced with criticism but you guys stand firm and continue to deliver for the people.”
 
Ratu Suliano also spoke highly of civil servants in the Namosi Provincial Council for their service to the Vanua.  Minister for Infrastructure, Jone Usamate says for someone like Ratu Suliano to make these kinds of comments will boost the morale of civil servants.

“As a member of government we are very appreciative on the comments made by Ratu Suliano Matanitobua as a former Minister, he knows the issues that we are facing and we appreciate the comments that were made”

■ A former National Federation Party candidate Priyanka Hansa Ramhas has called it quits from the NFP citing that the role and the vision of the party are unclear and also making it clear that she is dissatisfied with the party. She also complemented government on the work it is doing.

Despite contesting the last elections under NFP banner, Ram says the country is headed in the right direction.

“I see a lot of hope and I see the country being led in the right way by the current Prime Minister so I give my hats off to him right now. After much contemplation and coming through post elections and looking at all the developments taking place, I think I am on the right track right now to give credit where it is due.”