Ashwin Raj is the chairperson of the Media Industry Development Authority (MIDA).

Rumors are rife in the social media, following the resignation of the Military Commander, of political instability. The intent is obviously to cause angst amongst Fijians.

The public should take heed of the assurance given by the outgoing Army Commander Brigadier General Mosese Tikoitoga and ignore material that has been posted by Rajendra Chaudhry.

Rajendra Chaudhry is a bigoted individual who is trying to promote racial and religious ill will. Why denigrate the Attorney-General’s religious orientation?

There is no room for such extremism in a democracy. His statements are an anathema to the ideals of democracy and human rights.  The sad reality is that those that have been making a lot of noise about the media decree and freedom of expression in the country have been consistently and conveniently quiet about extremism in the social media perhaps because it serves their political agenda.

I am also asking the mainstream media to not uncritically reproduce material posted in these blogsites. The social media is not the indubitable site of truth and as responsible journalists they should question the veracity of the claims made in the social media before they publish.

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj