Wadan Narsey is one of Fiji’s most gifted academics, an economist with an international reputation now living in Australia. He was once a member of parliament for the largely Indo-Fijian National Federation Party and is on the public record complaining vociferously about racism in Fiji. Yet he harbours a particular loathing for the racially-inclusive Bainimarama government and argues that its pursuit of equality doesn’t excuse what he terms the “illegality” of the 2006 coup.
Professor Narsey has long been a trenchant critic of the regime, a position he shares with his brother-in-law and fellow Australian exile, the historian Brij Lal. Yet the more Fiji moves towards the restoration of democracy in 2014, the more strident he seemingly becomes. His latest outburst is extraordinary even by his own hard-line standards – equating Australian and New Zealand citizens who choose to work for the Fiji Government with paedophiles and terrorists. Yes, incredibly Professor Narsey argues that they be treated in precisely the same way, declared criminals in their own countries for their roles in an “illegal regime”.
In an interview with Radio Australia’s Pacific Beat, Professor Narsey called on Canberra and Wellington to make it illegal for their citizens to work overseas in support of undemocratic regimes. Without naming them, he referred to several Australians and New Zealanders working for the Fiji Government. They presumably include such figures as the Director of Public Prosecutions, New Zealander Christopher Pryde, and the Permanent Secretary for Information, Sharon Smith Johns, who’s a dual Australian-Fijian national. Then there’s Fiji’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, Peter Thomson, who’s in the unusual position of having triple Australian, New Zealand and Fiji citizenship. Under the Narsey plan, presumably His Excellency the Ambassador would be punished twice, from both Canberra and Wellington. Such people, of course, fall outside the current travel bans that are part of the so-called “smart sanctions” imposed on Fiji by Australia and NZ and can travel back and forth to their own countries at will.
Professor Narsey said both nations already treated citizens who traveled offshore to engage in paedophilia or terrorist activities as criminals and supporting “illegal” governments ought to be regarded in the same way. But he went on to make a distinction between those trying to restore lawful government and those justifying unlawful behaviour in a way that raises serious doubt about the practical application of such a policy. “I have no problems with those people who are trying to do positive and constructive things, you know, to try and get the country back to a lawful and democratic government,” he said. “But where I have a problem is where quite a few people have gone there and justified illegal things such as the overthrow of a lawful government, or they have taken part in processes which have compromised the judiciary or have compromised the ministerial portfolios.”
How, pray tell Professor, would Australia and NZ decide which of its citizens fell into either category, the goodies or the baddies – for argument’s sake – working for the same regime? With Fiji now on a path to restore democracy – voter registration and discussions on a new constitution – surely anyone working for the regime can legitimately claim to be trying to “get the country back to lawful and democratic government”? For an academic who prizes himself on razor-sharp analysis, Professor Narsey’s argument is decidedly woolly and ill conceived. It’s also far from democratic itself, a clear attempt to infringe the rights of individuals to take up positions with a sovereign government that enjoys both global and regional recognition, however much it may not be to Professor Narsey’s taste.
For all that, Grubsheet did find one point of agreement with the Professor. While he castigated Australia and NZ on the one hand for not being tough enough on regime employees, Professor Narsey castigated them on the other for being too tough on the families of those employees. He described the current travel bans on family members as an infringement of their basic human rights. “I mean you are not responsible for your relatives, you are responsible for your own actions”, he said. Quite so.
It’s puzzling to many Fijians, and Indo-Fijians in particular, that Wadan Narsey – like his brother-in-law Brij Lal – doesn’t seem to share their enthusiasm for the Government’s multiracial agenda, choosing instead to take a purist legal view of the events of 2006. One fellow senior academic puts it down to family resentment about the abrogation of the 1997 Constitution that Brij Lal co-authored. Others point to Wadan Narsey’s conviction that the regime played a major part in his removal -in shadowy circumstances – as Head of Economics at the University of the South Pacific. Professor Narsey himself has spoken publicly of having to “cope with a few friends who do not appreciate enough that the goodness of the cause is not a sufficient reason to justify fundamentally illegal and unfair methods”. All well and good except that the milk has been split and in 27 months – if all goes according to plan – a fairer democracy based on equal votes of equal value will be restored. If nothing else, Professor, it’s surely time to change the punitive rhetoric. Because talking about any civil servant in Fiji in the same breath as a paedophile or terrorist is ludicrously over the top.
This article has subsequently appeared in the Fiji Sun.
Some things in life are criminal and just plain wrong.
Murder, Rape, Assault, Blackmail. You would expect anyone who commits such a crime to be hunted down arrested, charged, convicted and sent to Prison.
Holding a coup is a crime. Get it into your thick skull Bainimarama is a criminal. You have been bought off by promises of multiracialism. Other cannot be bought off because a crime is a crime is a crime.
I wonder if I punch a bully who is brutally beating up a defenceless child, would I be a criminal??
Same analogy.
Frank Bainimarama cast the bullies, chiefs and thieves and racist talatalas aside in his drive to create a fairer Fiji where everyone is included.
Frank is a hero to the vast majority of Fijians. There will never be any uprising when he is ruling.
The end will justfy the means. A multiracial country serving the interests of all ethnic groups is the desireable end result.
If we go by your argument that Bainimarama is a criminal, then the same too can be said of Geore Washington etc who rebelled against the British and made the US what it is today. If its good enough for the USA then its good enough for Fiji.
For brothers in law Waden and Brij their problem can be summed in one word; PICQUE
No “Post a Comment”,the real crime was the racist agenda of the SDL government that Bainimarama removed, an agenda that the political process as it was could do nothing about. The RFMF was the only institution in Fiji capable of arresting the country’s slide into a tyranny of the majority and the marginalising of 40 per cent of the population. And now it is rebuilding a better and fairer democracy in Fiji with one man, one vote for the first time.
The 2006 coup was regrettable but it was a punctuation mark in a sorry narrative that began in 1987 – the assertion by indigenous extremists of the “rights” of the i’taukei when no such assertion was warranted. The i’taukei owned the vast majority of land in Fiji and had important leadership privileges under the constitution so there was no question of them ever being dispossessed. Yet they pressed ahead until their agenda was halted at the point of a gun.
Many people like me believe that If racial equality in Fiji has to be enforced in such a way and a level playing field created for all races, then so be it. It is more important principle than the bastardised democracy that you insist on upholding and is a temporary burden for true democrats to bear until fresh elections are held under a fairer constitution.
That is something you need to “get into your thick skull” because it is happening whether you like it or not. Yes, equality for all Fijians, irrespective of race. A shocking principle, isn’t it? How dare they! You can mock from the sidelines all you want but there will be no going back. And that is why I believe that eventually the whole country will support the process.
Very well put sir.
This world is a better place because of individuals such as your self.
Bainimarama is a criminal and he did not carry out the coup to stop racism.
If you look over the past 6 years the reasons for the coup have changed and now we are on the multiracial course. The only reason for that is Bainimarama has realized that will get him the most traction with confused liberals like yourself.
Firstly he held the coup to root out high level government corruption and to do away with electoral fraud. But 6 years on, we are still waiting for proof of either. No senior minister has been convicted. In fact no senior minister of the Qarase government has even been charged with corruption while in Government and that includes Qarase. Either there was no corruption or the Fijian Police and FICAC are both run by Inspector Clouseau.
Despite an inquiry no evidence of electoral fraud has been proven. Though Khaiyum keeps bringing up selected items from the EU report which concluded the Elections were free and fair.
The real reason for the coup was to protect Bainimarama.
He knew his job as Commander was at risk. He also knew the police were closing in with evidence of his part in the deaths of 2000.
He first plotted to take over the Government in 2003 to protect himself but was unable to because his senior officers of the time would not support him. He forced them to resign or leave the military and promoted yes men to senior positions.
He is a criminal and he has a habit of saying whatever is convenient at the time.
He has lied about:
Election dates
Upholding the constitution
Removing PER
Not benefitting from the coup
Not standing for elections
And yet you believe every word he says.
He has no interest in a true democracy. He only has an interest in protecting his position and ill gotten gains.
His track record of lies and the facts speak for themselves.
“Post a comment”, once again you have a much poorer grasp of the facts than I do. You say the multiracial agenda has been concocted for “confused liberals” like me. Well, I interviewed Frank Bainimarama for Australia’s Nine Network well before the 2006 coup. And the reasons he gave then for opposing the SDL have been remarkably consistent ever since.
1/ The Qoliqoli Bill that he alleged was unfair to other citizens.
2/ The Reconciliation and Unity Bill that would have freed George Speight and his gang.
3/ Corruption in Government and what he branded as Qarase’s lies.
Bainimarama made a very strong defence of the multiracial ideal and said the military was prepared to uphold by force the right of Mahendra Chaudhry to govern were he to succeed in the 2006 election. Of course, he didn’t and the rest is history.
No-one is saying Bainimarama is perfect and, yes, there’ve been times when certain undertakings have been broken. But that does not warrant the vituperation you have heaped on him which – I suspect – owes more to your own political stance than the evidence at hand.
You skate over the fact that voter registration is now taking place, discussions on a new constitution are imminent and that Bainimarama has given repeated undertakings about a return to democracy before September 2014. But let’s not allow the facts to get in the way of your own narrative. Spinning it as you see it is your right but let’s not kid ourselves that it’s much beyond fiction.
“Post a comment” if Bainimarama is a criminal so are you. If you see Bainimarama as a criminal you are seeing yourself in him. What is within so is without. As “Komai’ mentioned earlier you are in the same boat as Waden and Brij the vessel named “PIQUE”.
“Post a Comment”, one of the greatest canards played against Bainimarama is the notion that his coup of 2006 was to protect himself from prosecution for the deaths of some of the CRW mutineers in 2000. It staggers me that this is still advanced by regime opponents, who speak of documentary proof of Bainimarama’s involvement in the killings without ever producing it.
There is also no documentary evidence of the ludicrous claim that the mutiny was payback for Bainimarama ordering the CRW into parliament in May 2000 and then betraying them and George Speight. We’re told Bainimarama was the subject of a secret police investigation for having a direct role in the 2000 coup but, again, no credible evidence – documentary or verbal – has ever been advanced.
The facts, as opposed to the unsubstantiated claims, are these: A group of CRW soldiers led by Captain Shane Stevens attacked the Queen Elizabeth Barracks, killed loyalist soldiers and tried to kill Bainimarama, who barely escaped with his life under small arms and mortar fire.
He escaped to the Naval Base and in the ensuing round-up, several mutineers were beaten to death. Stevens himself was arrested and is serving a life sentence for his crime. The ultimate instigators of the rebellion have never been properly identified, at least publicly. But it was far more likely to have been another coup attempt than a personal grudge for anything Bainimarama might have done. Why would the mutineers have mounted a full blown assault and killed others when they could have just as easily targeted Bainimarama alone by assassinating him?
The Commander himself says the mutineers were beaten to death in the heat of the moment and he’s surprised they weren’t all killed, such was the rage among the ranks at the killing of innocent loyalists. This is a far more credible explanation than any others that has been ventured yet you and other regime opponents continue to cast this as a grand conspiracy to protect Bainimarama himself.
As a military leader under attack from his own troops, there’s a strong case to be made that however lamentable any extra-judicial killing may be, summary executions do take place under such circumstances. Yet that doesn’t seem to have happened. Rather, it appears that spontaneous outbreaks of extreme violence – known locally as buturaki – occurred motivated by the understandable desire of loyalist troops to avenge their dead comrades. The very fact that the leader of the rebellion survived lends considerable weight to this notion.
In all of this, I’ve never understood that it is the dead mutineers and their families who appear to attract most of the sympathy of regime opponents and not those they killed. It’s a clear case in my mind of the lives of the guilty taking precedence over the lives of the innocent – the blameless loyalist soldiers who were shot that day by their mutinous comrades not in anger but in cold blood.
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry.
Bainimarama is a deeply suspect individual. He is a proven liar and shows no loyalty to the people around him. And yet you unquestioningly believe everything that he says.
He lied to your face on camera during your interview earlier this year. You asked him if he had planned any coups before 2006. He replied no. You were so pleased with this scoop you told us all about it on these very pages. When we know he planned a coup in 2003-4. The written evidence of various RFMF colonels is there for all to see. In fact you were made aware of that evidence in between filming the interview and the broadcast. You wisely left it out of the broadcast version of the interview.
Here is a man who is prepared to look you in the eye and lie to you. You know he lied to you and still you continue you continue to take his word as the truth.
Sure we have voter registration and the constitutional commission but we are also having intimidation from the military for anyone who speaks out. We have a media bias whether it is print, radio or TV. We even have the situation of Fiji’s largest TV station having their license withheld until they stop airing interviews with certain politicians and Unionists. I suppose you find that perfectly acceptable.
But look at Bainimarama. He has no loyalty to anybody but himself. Only one senior officer in the RFMF from 2006 is left, Aziz, and he has been sidelined. Look at cabinet only 1 minister still survives, Khaiyum. He discards people if they no longer have any use for him. I repeat he has no loyalty and whether that is to the people around him or the people of Fiji he has no loyalty.
Tell me Graham why should we believe a word that come from Bainimarama? Should we believe him because he has a gun? Should we believe him because you say so? Give me a good reason!
“Post a Comment”, you are clearly fraught and instead of defending the assertions you make with hard evidence, keep opening up new avenues of argument that you portray as gospel truth when they too are merely assertions.
It is not my role to answer your demand for some sort of divine proof of Bainimarama’s bona fides . Everyone must make that decision themselves, not just about him but any other candidate in the elections of 2014. I might just as well ask why we should believe Qarase, Chaudhry or Beddoes – men who were entrusted with Fiji’s governance and blew it but are now asking for another chance to lead.
You will get your say like anyone else when the time comes. And in the meantime, may I suggest an over-the-counter sedative and a good lie down. Your final demand and especially the exclamation mark has me worried about your mental state. Hysteria will get you nowhere.
“Post a comment”, the following news story on Radio NZ International this afternoon isn’t quite the way you portrayed it:
Fiji TV says it has been given a formal assurance from the interim government that its broadcast license will be renewed for another 12-year term.
It was responding to what it calls speculation and concern from its shareholders following reports the interim government was unhappy with its reporting and might not renew its license.
In a statement, the publicly-listed company says the Minister of Communications Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum confirmed in October last year that the license, which comes up at the end of the month, would be renewed.
The statement did not directly address claims of censorship but says the station’s managers have met with the interim government over terms and conditions including relevant programme and technical information.
@ Post a Comment
If you dont like the way Bainimarama is doing things then you should be encouraged to migrate to a better place. Maybe join Tevita Mara in Tonga?
It will be better for your own mental health if you did coz its obvious you are suffering delusions about the developments in Fiji under Bainimarama which is all for a better future. Its all about absorbing short term pain for long term gain.
Just go take a Bex and have a lie down. You will feel better in the morning
Post a comment
You dont believe Bainimarama, I do period. Post your real name and dont be a coward because will believe a coward.
‘Post a comment’
Your words reveal how confused you are. A lost soul and a corrupt mind who does not know what is right and what is wrong. who call evil good, and good evil; Who put darkness for light, and light for darkness. Let me tell you. You are a hybrid of reptilian race. Who promote their idea of peace and justice in a confusing way, the end is destruction for all.
post a comment
I live in the US east coast and i have just visited my village after 5 years.Everyone I talked to said this is the kind of government they want. Their needs were adressed in time and there were no BS talk after a lengthy yaqona session and gifts of food and mats as was the norm with the SDL ministers.They said if Bainimarama is gonna stand they will vote for him.
Not just over the top – it is mad what Dr Narsey has said. All the good work he has ever done will be forgotten, but this one will be forever remembered – especially so now it is on the internet. Very unwise to have said this.
Wadan .n has his own axe to grind, remember he was a NFP member; they have their own ideologies very post-colonial. NFP was the party for indofijians after independence and the greediness of their leaders were to lead Fiji. They never practiced multiculterism till very late when they tried to change with rabuka but people had enough of them. NFP is supported by all the business house and elite indofijians. Going back to wadan. N, where he was after qarase started marginalizing indofijians rights, where was he when he started coming with qoliqoli bills and other nationalist ideas. All these people were quiet as they had jobs in high places and things were ok. After 2006 things changed as many lost their jobs and things were changing not according to their way.
They can say whatever they want what the military has started will not reverse even if they have to be in power indefinitely. I don’t have any problems, I feel safe in Fiji under the military.
Waden has gone completely off the rails this time. He was kinda teettering off the edge a bit with his recent exhortations but this time he has really gone over the edge by likening expats working for Frank to paedophiles and other scumbags.
As pointed out by another poster on this blog, when he was in a position of power and enjoying the perks that came with it, he chose not to say anything about the Qoliqoli Bill etc. So long as it did not adversely effect him he did not care.
But now that he has to struggle to put bread on the table like the rest of us plebians, he starts shooting off his mouth left right and centre. Like a mad dog barking into the night. No one cares anymore what he says and whatever happens to him and his bro in law.
We are the new Fiji. Waden still cant let go of the old.
Good riddance
Yes good riddance indeed WNarsey! You had us fooled for awhile, I give you that. To think that I thought at one time that you were someone that had something of value to contribute. How wrong can you be and how badly you have let yourself down.
@Graham
That is a very carefully worded statement and makes no reference to the meeting that took place between the Fiji TV Chairman and Khaiyum. It neither confirms it or denies it. As far as that statement goes that meeting could still have happened. One thing this statement does confirm is that Fiji TV still do not have their license and their current one runs out in 2 weeks.
Here is a fact Graham, Fiji TV’s license renewal has been approved but has been sitting on the desk of the Minister of Communications, Khaiyum, waiting for his signature for many months. Fiji TV have made numerous phone calls to the ministry and are always given the same message. “Your license is approved and is just waiting the Minister’s signature”. I know you won’t take my word for it so please ask your sources in both the Government and Fiji TV. As you do ask yourself why Khaiyum would not sign off a license approved by his ministry?
Why is a license important versus an assurance in Fiji? This regime has been known to change its mind when it comes to businesses and as you well know Graham you cannot go to the courts to challenge any decision of the regime. Without that license Fiji TV is vulnerable to the whims of Khaiyum.
Added to all the above you should also factor in that Khaiyum’s brother is running Fiji TV’s biggest rival FBC. Now doesn’t it smack of bad governance that only hold up of Fiji TV’s license is the signature of their rival’s brother? Would that situation be allowed in Australia? Of Course not there would be a case before the courts before you can say “Khaiyum’s dodgy dealings!”
In business an assurance from Government is meaningless. A Multi Million dollar company cannot plan its future and million dollar investments on an assurance. It has to have its license.
In a normal country a broadcast license is typically renewed months if not years in advance of the current license running out. This is so those businesses can plan and invest for the future. They can invest in programmes, new equipment and staff. However, without that license no business can afford to make those investments in case it is not renewed.
Let’s put aside the allegation that Khaiyum blackmailed Fiji TV for a minute. It is actions like this by the minister that have lead to the lowest investment levels in Fiji’s history. No business can plan a future if in a few days time it can be shut down because the Government has not renewed its license. It is no wonder businessmen are not investing in Fiji.
“Coming Through”, I agree that this has not been handled well for there to still be a level of uncertainty. But stripped to the bare essentials – and what we’ve all been given in writing – the following appears to be the case:
1/ Fiji TV will get its license renewed for another 12 years. It has been given this undertaking by the Attorney General and is entitled to expect that the undertaking is kept.
2/ The AG clearly has concerns about the editorial output of the Fiji TV newsroom and has issued a statement saying that it needs to operate within the current rules of fair and balanced reporting.
3/ In the absence of the PM, The AG is currently Acting Minister for Information so such a comment is within his remit. But….
4/ It is clearly the role of the Media Authority to police these issues and a preferable course would be for the regime to leave it to do its job. Any statements about alleged editorial infringements should be coming from the head of that authority.
5/ In the period between the lifting of censorship and media freedom, there is bound to be an uneasy interregnum as both sides – government and the media – reach a modus operandi. Hopefully this is such an instance.
6/ I haven’t seen the precise detail of the AG’s objections and neither Fiji TV nor the respective media bodies have given details either. If you know what the alleged infringement was, please tell us. Because that it critical to any analysis that this complaint has merit.
7/ If I was running Fiji TV, I would operate on the basis that the licence has been approved because that was the specific undertaking and any company is entitled to take the government at its word.
8/ If I was running the Fiji TV newsroom, I would continue to report without fear or favour but ensure adherence to the established guidelines and address any alleged breach with the Media Authority – the proper body to deal with such an issue.
Graham,
We also know some other things from the written statements.
The written assurance was given to Fiji TV in October last year. Eight months on they are still waiting for their license. Khaiyum has had months to sort out the license but he still has not done so with less than 2 weeks to go.
This Government has used decrees to target individual companies. Fiji water, Fiji Times, Qantas, Momi Bay, Natadola etc.
Fiji TV has been a target of this Government in a similar way as the Fiji Times. Reporters have lost their jobs because of Government Complaints.
Fiji TV would feel very nervous knowing the Government could close them down if they do not have a current license.
Fiji TV would not have recourse to the courts if the Government closed them down. They would just have to accept it.
FBC is run by the brother of the minister responsible for granting of the license.
This fiasco has reinforced the negative investment climate.
This fiasco has created doubt over the Constitution Consultations being open and free from intimidation and regime bias.
All the above is in the public domain.
Add to that other facts which are not.
The License was approved months ago subject to the Minister’s signature. Why didn’t the minister sign the decree? I know he is busy but even he could have found 30 secs in the past 4 months to do so.
If you do an audit of regime statements versus those of the opposition on the constitution you will see they are already 2:1 in favor of the regime.
The original story may or may not be true but either way the regime looks to be using intimidation to manipulate Fiji TV.
Desperate times require desperate measures , democracy was a foreign flower for many many in Fiji after 1987 coup up to 2000 coup. The common language was leave fiji alone we will solve our own problems. Know every man and his dog are chanting this democracy mantra. Let the military complete what it started even if that means making lot of souls unhappy for the betterment of Fiji in the long term. People can come up with any argument they want ,at the end of the day the current government is in control so until a new constitution is place which will make core values of democracy that everyone born in fiji has equal rights in every front.
It will also ensure that thugs ,bankrupts and questionable characters never reach our parliament and people who are lapdogs of the business community don’t miss use their position of power for the advantage of only certain individuals. Iam fully behind the Current government.
Coming through.. Some observations
Fiji TV is a stench Qarase supporter. Look back in history at actions this company have made. I am saying then stop Fiji TV should stop crying like babies and move on.
Fiji TV had a monopoly until 2011. They really used that monopoly in the political arena to further their agenda. When do you think this monopoly was REALLY kicked out the door?????
FBC TV is the biggest free-to-air in the country currently. Ask anyone in Fiji and they will tell you the company is a breath of fresh air. Kudos to Aiyaz.
Fiji TV had it’s opportunity to develop it’s broadcast wellbeing but blew it. In fact, it’s current CEO, was heard to say “why upgrade it’s equipment. We have the monopoly” my guess is that maybe an assurance was given by the Qarase Government.
Well that’s all history.. Today, Fiji TV may as well burn down their building and start from scratch as their equipment in 19th century.
My point is FijiTV has played this political game before and in my view is doing it again.
I hope the AG don’t get caught in these publicity stents by a cash strap Fiji TV.
Fiji TV may have been a big Qarase supporter.
But show me one example in recent years where they have made one broadcast in favour of Qarase without a regime spokesman providing balance. They have not.
I agree competition provides a breath of fresh air in all industries. But the FBC saga has the stench of nepotism.
The CEO was appointed by his brother the Minister of communications.
The original $15m loan from the FDB, now $22m, was guaranteed by the Government on the instructions of the brother minister.
In addition to its annual grant FBC is currently getting an average media spend from the Government of over $200k per month. Without that income FBC would be unable to pay its debts. FBC is getting between $4-5m from Government every year. By comparison Fiji TV gets virtually none.
The advertsing market is currently the most depressed it has ever been in Fiji and there is no way FBC could even repay the interest on the loan without Government support.
FBC did not have to wait for its TV license. The brother minister granted it straight away.
Fiji TV is still waiting for its new license with only 2 weeks before the current one runs out. Why don’t they have the license? Because their biggest competitor’s brother has not bothered to sign it even though it has been on his desk for over 3 months.
I am sorry but the FBC story is not one of good governance and transparency. It is one of nepotism, cronyism and corruption.
Did you know the consultant who did the specifications for the FBC equipment also owned the company that supplied the equipment at very high prices?
Did you know that the equipment was over specified and every FBC transmitter uses 2x more fuel than the Fiji TV transmitters?
Did you know the same consultant is related to the Khaiyum brothers?
If Graham would like a copy of a report on the FBC overspend I would be happy to send it to him if he gives me an email address.
Some more on FBC Nepotism and Corruption
The Consultant was hired without going through a proper tender process.
The equipment was bought without going through a proper tender process.
More examples of good governance and fair play by the brothers Khaiyum
Coming through.. You may huff and puff and eventually fall dead but Fiji TV as a monopoly took every stakeholder for a ride.
1. Where do you think Yanasa Holdings got their funds from to invest in Fiji TV?
2. Ask most companies that advertise with Fiji TV during their glorious monopolistic days and they will tell you how errogant Tarun Patel and Ken Clake were. I hope they have improved.
3. Do you know Fiji TV have tax breaks as well, a private company being subsidized by the tax payers.
4. Do you know that Fiji TV’s transmission sites are not compliant and FBC TV is? That is why the ‘difference is clear’. FijiTV’s monopolistic view is if you can’t view us properly, invest in a powerful antenna.
5. Do you know how much SBS Australia gets in subsidy from the tax payer? And if you say what’s your point, I rest my case.
6. do you know the standard statement from Isoa and technician come CEO Tarun ” what competition?” Guess these guys should be expired.
7. Do you know if FBC TV switched off their signal, large parts of Fiji will be without Free to air TV? Why… Because of the incompetency of Fiji TV to deliver the coverage under the terms of the TV Broadcast license.
8. Do you know that Fiji TV currently breaches the TV broadcast license when it comes to % of local content that is required to be aired?
My guess you know all this and you are a stooge of Fiji TV
@Bullshit Mada.
Tell me as we all are so unfortunately aware Khaiyum and the Dictator have been in power for the past 6 years, half of Fiji TV’s 12 year license period.
Why did these masters of the clean up not sort out Fiji TV license breeches. Were they paid off by Fiji TV? Or are they just incompetent?
Do you know why Fiji TV transmission sites are not compliant? It is because the same Consultant who specified and procured for FBC was also the Consultant hired by the Government to come up with national specifications. Another clear Case of Conflict of Interest
You are right SBS in Australia get lots of Government money.
BUT
The CEO was not appointed by his brother
A Government guaranteed loan was not sorted by one brother, the minister, and given to the other brother, the CEO
When they buy equipment they make sure the specifier is not the supplier
When they buy equipment SBS goes through a proper tender procedure
As I said I welcome competition, as you say monopoly breeds arrogant corrupt companies.
The same can be said of nepotism. Riyaz has now become as arrogant as Aiyaz. He used to be rather charming.
But Dictatorship breeds more arrogance and corruption than anything else.
This is the same Aiyaz who fancied himself as a top-notch journalist, but the joke among Fiji journalists was a television talk show he hosted on poverty during his Fiji TV days: all panelists wore shining suits and tie; not a poor person in sight!
Coming Through – Say I drank 50 bowls of Kava and accept your arguement at 5:am in the morning. The big one – Does Fiji TV qualify for the TV Broadcast License after more than 20 years of American content, Australian Network and thrown in the mix less than 8% of locally produced crap (no repeat please) and 5% of acceptable local content. (again, no repeat please)
The Goverment should hand them a temporary License and limit their air-time to 1 hour – I suppose that would be for the news.