Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says his Government is being “hammered every day” by the media and critics, as he defended the repeal of the Media Industry Development Act and the restoration of media freedom.
Speaking in Parliament last night, Mr Rabuka said the repeal had restored a more enabling environment for media freedom, but acknowledged the Government was facing intense scrutiny.
“But they enjoying their freedom. We get hammered every day by people who are enjoying their freedom and attacking us from every angle,” he said.
His remarks came as he outlined the Government’s record of reforms and argued that tangible improvements in people’s lives should be the measure of its performance.
He was speaking in reply to an End of Week statement that was made by Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu.
“Tangible improvements in the lives of our people. That is the standard by which this government must be judged,” Mr Rabuka said.
He said successive governments, both in Fiji and elsewhere, were guided by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which provided a shared vision for humanity’s future.
Mr Rabuka also defended the importance of traditional leadership, saying the restoration of the Great Council of Chiefs had reaffirmed the role of traditional institutions in national dialogue, cultural identity and the wellbeing of Fijians.
He said the Government’s commitment to reform had extended to laws and institutions shaping Fiji’s democracy.
He also highlighted amendments to the iTaukei Land Trust Act, which he said were intended to improve fairness and accessibility for landowners.
Mr Rabuka maintained that a nation’s strength rested on its ability to respect its history, protect its identity and prepare confidently for the future.
