No Rush Over Decree

No Rush Over Decree

www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=144463

By Reijeli Kikau
SUVA (The Fiji Times/Pacific Media Watch): There is no specific timeframe for the implementation of the Media Industry Development Decree 2010, says Justice Ministry head Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum.

He told reporters yesterday, the ministry was still working on the draft decree.

"There have been some queries on the media decree," he said.

"As we have said to the various participants in the media consultation, we will keep in touch with them.

"We are currently transcribing what was said at the consultation and are going to give copies to all participants."

He said some useful suggestions were made by participants at the consultation and his office might get back to some of the participants on comments they had highlighted

Asked about the future of Fiji Times Limited and the issue of the 10 per cent foreign ownership, Sayed-Khaiyum said it was a case of selling shares.

"It's not for me to speculate on what will happen or tell the future. That is the way to go and that is what we will focus on," he said.

Asked whether media companies could make further suggestions, Sayed-Khaiyum said people were free to contact his office with written or oral submissions.

At the two-day consultation on the draft Media Industry Development Authority decree last week, he had ruled out any written presentations.

The consultation was conducted behind closed doors in Suva and included officials from print, radio and television companies.

Also registered for the consultations were representatives of ECREA, the Citizens Constitutional Forum, Fiji Media Watch, the South Pacific Commission and other interested parties.

Last week, he said censorship would be lifted once the Media Industry Development Decree 2010 is in place.

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