Rumors That PM Is Ill Quashed
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum has quashed rumours that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama is ill.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum says he is aware of the rumours and they are incorrect.
Speaking at the revised 2021-2022 National Budget Consultation in Nadroga yesterday, he confirmed that the PM was “alive and well”.
Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Major-General Ro Jone Kalouniwai confirmed to Fiji Sun that Mr Bainimarama would open the Blackrock Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Camp in Nadi at 10am today.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said it was unfortunate that a lot of Fijians liked sensation and drama and continued to believe fake news posted online.
“There’s a gentleman from overseas, a couple of them saying the PM is dead – he is alive, he is here, he is walking around but that guy is still posting stuff and everybody still listens to him,” he said.
He did not mention names, but an Australian blogger who touched on the issue was Graham Davis.
In his Facebook post Mr Davis said PM had fallen ill again just weeks after his return from Melbourne, Australia for medical treatment.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said while the Government continued to pump out information, the onus was on individuals to use their intellect when reading posts online.
“A lot of people on One Mind One Goal, are talking about the Prime Minister is dead, this is ridiculous and this is how stupid people get,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“Nowadays on social media if people say ‘I saw the frog eating the horse’ just because it is on social media they will believe it.
“They will say….oh where did it happen?
“What color was the horse and the frog. But, nobody will say ‘can a frog eat a horse or not?”
He said the situation was up to youths to question its accuracy.
Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj
