Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently urged journalists to enhance their research skills before asking questions. This suggestion followed a series of repetitive inquiries from reporters during an interview at Parliament last week, particularly concerning the Constitutional Office Commission (COC).
During the interview, Prime Minister Rabuka found himself clarifying the COC’s procedures and the process involved in appointing the Commissioner of Police several times. His advice for journalists was straightforward: “Do your research.”
Echoing this sentiment, former politician Adi Finau Tabakaucoro, who leads the Soqosoqo Vakamarama iTaukei, encouraged journalists to challenge the status quo instead of simply following popular narratives. She emphasized the importance of questioning the methods used to assess poverty levels in the country, stating that many people in rural villages maintain a self-sufficient lifestyle, growing their food and feeding their families adequately.
Finau’s comments prompt journalists to adopt a more critical approach towards issues rather than accepting prevailing perceptions without scrutiny.
This call for thorough investigation and robust questioning serves as a reminder of the crucial role journalism plays in fostering an informed society. It emphasizes that asking the right questions can lead to more meaningful discussions and solutions for pressing societal issues such as poverty.
Overall, while the Prime Minister’s remarks may have seemed critical, they open the door to a more informed and engaged press, which can only benefit democratic discourse and community understanding.
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