PM Calls for Responsible Use of Press Freedom

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has called on all media practitioners and social media users in Fiji to uphold and exercise freedom of expression and press freedom responsibly, as the nation marked World Press Freedom Day yesterday on May 3.

In his statement, the Prime Minister thanked media professionals across all roles—from reporters to office cleaners—for their contribution to upholding press freedom in Fiji.

He reflected on the country’s recent media history, noting the restrictive environment created by the former government under the now-repealed Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA) Act, which he said suppressed free expression and led to criminal prosecutions of journalists.

“Thanks to democracy, and to the power of your votes, those dark days of oppression and suppressions are over,” Mr Rabuka said, adding that one of the first acts of the Coalition Government was the repeal of the MIDA Act.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to late photographer Sitiveni Moce, who died in 2015 after being attacked while doing his job. Moce’s death, he said, was a stark reminder of why freedoms must not be taken for granted.

Mr Rabuka highlighted the recent expansion of the Public Service Broadcast (PSB) Grant to include Communications Fiji Limited and MaiTV, saying this would promote unity and deliver vital public information more widely.

As Fiji joins the world in recognising the importance of a free press, the Prime Minister urged all citizens to reflect on how their freedoms are exercised. Quoting President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, he warned against exploiting vulnerable communities through misinformation on social media.

“Let us recommit ourselves to supporting the principles of freedom of expression and freedom of the press—and resolve to exercise that freedom with the utmost sense of responsibility,” he said.