A free and independent media that is not subject to draconian laws helps build an informed society - AG
I promise to be inclusive – Turaga

A free and independent media that is not subject to draconian laws helps build an informed society - AG

I promise to be inclusive – Turaga

By Vijay Narayan , Rashika Kumar
20/01/2023
Attorney General and Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga

The review of the draconian Media Industry Development Act has been raised by Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga while speaking at the Fiji Law Society Convention today.

While delivering his keynote address at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour this morning, Turaga says a nation that is ruled by the impulse of one or a close set of leaders becomes divided and controlled by nepotism.

Turaga says the result is profound angst and injustice and something that we in Fiji can attest to.

He says this is not the change for the sake of change and the change envisioned is the one that ensures Fiji’s adherence to and the respect for the rule of law.

The Minister says an example is the Government’s announcement of a review of the Media Industry Development Act.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

He further says it also means how Government governs and transparency in Government means that what Government does is visible.

Turaga says the Government is committed to improving how Fiji is governed and the Fiji Law Society’s support is needed.

He says they are committed to consulting widely with the community, particularly those affected by the laws passed by the previous Government.

Turaga says part of this is making sure that efficient time is taken to consider all possible impacts before new laws are passed but a consequence of this is that change may come slowly.

The Minister says this is inevitable given how long the previous Government was in power and the impact it had on nearly every aspect of our nation and lives.

0% buffered00:00Current time00:00

Turaga has also acknowledged and commended the Fiji Law Society for its strong support for the rule of law despite a few years in very challenging circumstances.

He adds the strong support of the rule of law and rightly expressing concerns when it has been undermined by the Government gave voice to the concerns of many even if it displeases his predecessor.

The Minister says he is strongly encouraging lawyers to serve their communities and give back in any way they can and this also requires them to uphold justice and act when it is undermined.

Turaga asks if the legal profession does not speak up or ask the relevant questions on the issues concerning the rule of law then who will.

He further adds lawyers have a fundamental duty to protect our society and they must address inequality in all forms and act against abuse of political power.

FEATURE NEWS
Speaker and Immigration Minister pay their condolences to domestic violence victim’s family
Speaker of Parliament, Filimoni Jitoko expressed his condolences with other Members of Parliament after the death of a member of the Immigration Minis...
11 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Fuel and gas prices to drop from tomorrow
People can expect some relief at the pump and on household gas expenses, as fuel and gas prices will decrease from tomorrow. The price of unleaded ...
9 hours ago

Immigration Ministry trying to track down 20 prohibited migrants
There are 20 prohibited migrants that the Ministry of Immigration is currently trying to track down. This has been confirmed by Minister for ...
11 hours ago

Coalition govt brought certainty and gave civil servants permanent tenure – Prof. Prasad
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad says when the Coalition Government came into power, the first thing they ...
11 hours ago

More than $90,000 raised during the Bushells Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea
$92,310 has been raised during the Bushells Fiji’s Biggest Morning Tea to help transform lives and strengthen cancer care across Fiji. According ...
12 hours ago

Principals need to move beyond administration if they want to become leaders in education - Prof. Shameem
The time has come for principals to understand the meaning of leadership, separate from their roles as administrators and managers of the school ...
12 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Tevita Ikanivere on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show focuses on Ikanivere’s journey, his family, career and how far the Drua has ...
9 days ago

Daniel Fatiaki and Professor Narsey on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Chair of the Electoral Reform Commission and former Chief Justice, Daniel Fatiaki and Electoral Reform Commissioner and economist, Professor Wadan ...
9 days ago

Top Interventional Cardiologist Dr Kapadia on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
The show will focus on health services in the country. The former Marist Brothers Primary and High School student who has been practising medicine ...
24 days ago

TOP