Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry has questioned the Coalition Government’s recent move to improve its communication with the public, warning it could be aimed at controlling information ahead of the next general elections.
The Government has maintained that the initiative is intended to better inform citizens about State services, build trust and curb the spread of misinformation in a transparent manner.
However, Mr Chaudhry said the timing of the move—just 10 months before the elections—raised concerns.
“It sounds suspiciously like an attempt to sharpen its propaganda machine and control the information going out to the people, ahead of the elections,” he said.
He warned that the move could lead to tighter regulations on social media platforms.
“We can foresee tougher laws being enacted to control social media which is operating freely to fill the vacuum created by a compromised mainstream media,” Mr Chaudhry said.
He added that social media had played a key role in exposing issues that might otherwise go unreported.
“The social media brings to public attention many of the scams and corrupt deals and practices that would go unreported otherwise,” he said.
“Harsh laws to control it will backfire on the government.”
Mr Chaudhry also raised concerns over comments by Information Minister Lynda Tabuya calling for closer collaboration between Government and the media in disseminating information.
“This is a shocking remark. The media must maintain its independence from government control in any form or manner,” he said.
“The Coalition has no business directing the media how to disseminate government news. This will be interference with media independence no matter how glibly government may try to camouflage it with fancy language.”
He said the media must remain independent and should not become part of any government “propaganda machine.”
