(PINA/IFEX) – On 2 July 1999, Fiji’s Labour Party-led coalition government used its parliamentary majority to pass a motion for Fiji’s two daily newspapers to be called before the House of Representatives privileges committee. This motion was passed after both the “The Fiji Times” and “Daily Post” carried reports of a question made in the […]
(PINA/IFEX) – On 2 July 1999, Fiji’s Labour Party-led coalition government
used its parliamentary majority to pass a motion for Fiji’s two daily
newspapers to be called before the House of Representatives privileges
committee. This motion was passed after both the “The Fiji Times” and “Daily
Post” carried reports of a question made in the House of Representatives
which the Speaker ruled was out of order and was not to be recorded in the
official transcript of parliamentary proceedings. Minister for Agriculture
Poseci Bune had been asked by the Opposition whether he used government
funds to visit his girlfriend in South Dakota, USA, while he was ambassador
to the United Nations in New York.
**Updates IFEX alerts of 23 June, 21 June, 18 June, 15 June, 11 June, 4
June, 21 May and 7 May 1999**
Leader of the House Joeli Kalou was reported in the “Daily Post” of 3 July
as saying that the newspaper reports were insulting and the media should not
abuse their privileges. Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry, who is also
Information Minister, said that the media had to respect members of
parliament and report responsibly. He stated that newspapers will be given
an opportunity to explain themselves. Opposition members criticised the
motion. A former finance minister, Jim Ah Koy, was reported as saying that
the media had the right to print what it wanted and parliamentarians who
could not take criticism should not be in the House. Independent member
Saimoni Kaitani called the motion a waste of time and said parliament should
be discussing more important issues.
Parliamentary general-secretary Mary Chapman told “The Fiji Times” her
office would contact the two newspapers about a date for them to appear
before the privileges committee.
Background Information
The Fiji Islands has amongst the most diverse and free news media in the
Pacific Islands. But they have come under continuing attack from Prime
Minister Chaudhry and his assistant information minister since the election
of the new Labour-led coalition government in May (see IFEX alerts). Under
Fiji’s Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act those found guilty of
breaching parliamentary privilege can be jailed for up to two
years. Under the previous government “The Fiji Times” was also called before
the House of Representatives privileges committee over its reporting. But no
action was taken. “The Fiji Times”, the region’s biggest daily newspaper, is
a previous winner of the PINA Pacific Freedom of Information award.
