Fijian Media Association president Stanley Simpson said a journalist who asked Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum to respond to comments made against him by National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad had acted responsibly.
He made the comment in relation to a question posed by a Fijivillage journalist to the A-G about Prof Prasad’s statement that Mr Sayed- Khaiyum should separate his ego from his ministerial job during a press conference on Sunday.
The A-G’s response to the journalist was, “So you see again, responsible media organisations would simply not report what somebody utters even if it’s nonsensical and try and get a response from us.”
Mr Simpson said the backbone of any democracy was “an independent, strong and responsible media”.
“They inform, critique, analyse and stimulate debate that is vital to the democratic process,” he said.
“In this regard, the media was asking the Attorney General to respond to a statement made by an elected Member of Parliament and political party leader, Biman Prasad.
“The FMA’s stand is that the media behaved responsibly in seeking a comment from the A-G to the statement made against him by Biman Prasad.
“To not report Biman Prasad’s statement would have been irresponsible.
“To not seek a response from the A-G would have also been irresponsible. Both are elected representatives of the people. The media acted responsibly in endeavouring to inform the people of the views of their elected members of Parliament on a political issue.”
