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The Public Emergency Regulations posed by the Fiji Government are only a temporary measure, says Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.
He made the comment while addressing delegates at the 35th Annual Gathering and 8th Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) General Conference in Nadi yesterday.
“The PER is merely a temporary measure, which seeks to provide a stable socio-political platform that is conducive for our nation-building initiatives to take place.
“The PER also focuses on the media where the key message is for the media to be more balanced and responsible with their reporting,” said Bainimarama.
He said the regulations are achieving its desired impact in inspiring positive changes in the local media industry as well as the community.
“Slowly but surely, the focus is shifting from the journalism of old to development journalism and the journalism of hope which are premised on capturing the positive contributions made at all levels of society.
“My Government believes in media freedom and the freedom of expression. We recognize that these are fundamental principles of true democracy,” he said.
But he said his Government also strongly believes that media freedom is not absolute, and that the media must exercise this freedom and right to express oneself with greater responsibility.
“The media must ensure that their work does not impact negatively on the rights of others or the stability and wellbeing of the nation.”
The media is an essential development partner that can contribute immensely to positive change, peace and progress,” he said.
“Potentially, the media can provide a clear pathway for growth and be an important tool for progress and advancement.
“But for this to happen, we need to have media personnel who are capable and responsible more than anything else,” he added.
