The Prime Minister has revealed that the Public Emergency Regulation is merely a temporary measure which seeks to provide a stable socio-political platform that is conducive for the government's nation building initiatives to take place.

While opening the AIBD General Conference in Denarau attended by broadcasters and media personnel from the Asia Pacific region, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama said it has been necessary to place the Public Emergency Regulation.

He said the government is seeking to achieve a truly united Fiji, where development is sustainable and where corruptive practices and poverty are negligible.

Bainimarama said the government wants a Fiji where opportunities are equally available to the different ethnic groups that make Fiji what it is.

The Prime Minister then told the broadcasters and media executives from the Asia Pacific region that the government strongly believes in media freedom and freedom of expression.

However, he said media freedom is not absolute and the media must exercise this freedom and right to express oneself with greater responsibility.

Bainimarama said the media must ensure that their work does not impact negatively on the rights of others or the stability and wellbeing of the nation.