Opposition's motion on Media Decree defeated in parliament

The opposition’s motion to review or repeal the Media Industry Development Decree 2010 was defeated in parliament earlier today.

The result after the vote was - 17 MPs agreeing to the motion, 24 going against it and 9 parliamentarians did not vote on the motion.

The motion was tabled by Opposition MP, Biman Prasad.

While presenting the motion, Prasad said that the Media Decree is not needed as it has harsh penalties against organizations and journalists.

However the government side strongly opposed the motion saying that the Media Decree is needed for professional standards and discipline.

Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum also stresses that the Media Code of Ethics in the decree is taken word for word from the Fiji Media Council Code of Ethics.

He also says that Biman Prasad can challenge the decree in court under the constitution.

Sayed-Khaiyum also says no freedom has no limitation placed on it except the freedom not to be tortured.

Meanwhile Prasad says some of the decrees definitely need to be challenged.