Avoid Trial By Media, says Turaga

The Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga, has again singled out the media when addressing sensitive governance issues.

Mr Turaga was approached yesterday to address the Barbara-Gate saga whose appointment was deemed controversial by many Government critics.

The most popular critics include former Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry and the Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, who condemned the laxity of the Government’s approach to addressing the controversial appointment of Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) Commissioner, Barbara Malimali.

Ms Malimali is involved with allegations of abuse of office, intimidation of witnesses, allegation of ‘bullying’ Supervisor of Elections Ana Mataiciwa and circumstances surrounding the alleged break-in at the FICAC headquarters in Suva.

“My plea, as the Minister for Justice is that we must respect the legal system,” Mr Turaga said.

“Currently there is a tribunal sitting appointed by the President on the advice by the Prime Minister to hear issues pertaining to the appointment of the Commissioner of FICAC.

“I, and others met with the tribunal and some depots affidavit and I understand that leading to January, or probably by the end of the month, they will complete the work.”

Why report?

In a surprise twist, Mr Turaga questioned the integrity of consistent reporting of the Barbara-Gate saga from this masthead.

“While this is going on, we should not undermine that by reporters or your paper, media touching just part of it because we really don’t know what is going on,” Mr Turaga said.

“People have been given the opportunity to express their opinions, even if they may not fully understand the implications. And in doing so, we undermine the system established by law. When we do express our opinion and continue to do it, creates confusion, especially for the uninformed members of the public.”

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