published 25 June 2001

Media release

Elected Prime Minister Mahendra Chaudhry has expressed outrage at a front page Fiji Times report today (Saturday 22 June, 2001) which completely distorts and puts out of context a statement made by him in a Face to Face interview with a Fiji Times reporter.

Mr. Chaudhry is referring to a report under banner headlines "I want to be back as prime minister: Chaudhry in The Fiji Times of today.

"This is sheer mischief making. The interview was given to The Fiji Times on the understanding (and assurance) that it will be run as a complete piece on Monday in their Face to Face column. The paper had absolutely no right to take bits out of that interview and give it their own twist and emphasis without publishing my exact words," Mr Chaudhry said.

If they wanted to use bits of the interview for a story it should have been run alongside, and on the same day, as the full interview.

The comment made by me on the prime ministership was in response to a question by reporter Bernedette Hussein. It was the last question in a series of questions she faxed me and asked: "Do you intend to return as Prime Minister?"
My answer to this was a simple: "If I have the people's mandate, yes."

The Fiji Times has chosen to take this simple statement, in reply to their question, completely out of context and distort and sensationalise it to suit its own vested interests.

"This is not the first time The Fiji Times has manipulated facts and news to mislead voters and to create fear. The paper had a hand in instigating the unrest and instability that led to the May 19 coup and as USP academic David Robie affirms, The Fiji Times must bear some responsibility for last year's coup.," Mr Chaudhry said.
The Fiji Labour Party denounces such underhand tactics as highly unethical and asks that The Fiji Times rectify its report in the interest of accuracy and fairness.

Mahendra Chaudhry,
Elected Prime Minister and Leader, Fiji Labour Party