MASI Defends Journalists: “Unfair to Target Media for Doing Their Job”
Finance Minister Manasseh Sogavare has taken a strong stance against recent media reports concerning a government tax exemption granted to a specific company, accusing the press and the Leader of the Opposition of spreading “half-baked, misleading, and distorted” information to pursue political agendas.
At a press conference, Sogavare criticized the media’s handling of the issue, arguing that reports on the exemption were incomplete and biased, creating an unfairly negative perception of the government’s actions. The minister voiced concerns that the selective coverage of this issue harms the Solomon Islands’ image as an investment-friendly destination. According to Sogavare, the media has ignored key details of the exemption, choosing instead to highlight accusations made by the opposition that claim the exemption benefits foreign interests over local needs, particularly as the country faces challenges like shortages in healthcare resources.
Sogavare argued that the media’s approach risks discouraging foreign investment, which he emphasized is critical for the nation’s economic progress. “This country needs investors if we are to progress… we need every player, and especially investors, who are willing to invest in our country,” he said. He also reminded the press of their duty to report responsibly, suggesting that their partial coverage creates a divisive narrative that doesn’t fully inform the public.
In response to Sogavare’s accusations, Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) President Ofani Eremae defended the country’s journalists, stating that they are fulfilling their responsibility by reporting on issues of public interest and holding those in power accountable. Eremae emphasised that the media should not be targeted for doing its job and reporting facts. “The media’s role is to present the facts, and it’s unfair to hold journalists accountable for issues driven by external agendas,” he said.
He said the facts were presented by the Opposition Leader through the documents provided and the Finance Minister should have just clarified the issue of tax exemption instead of attacking the media and journalists for doing their job.
Eremae further urged all public officials to recognize the media’s essential function in providing balanced perspectives on national issues, stressing the importance of direct engagement with journalists. “Journalists are increasingly challenged in obtaining direct interviews with public officials, who often rely on issuing press releases instead,” he pointed out, indicating that this limits the media’s ability to provide a comprehensive view on critical matters.
The media’s duty, Eremae emphasized, is to inform the public transparently and objectively. He encouraged government and opposition leaders alike to support the media’s role in promoting accountability, rather than assigning blame to journalists for reporting contentious issues.
