Fiji denies proposed new laws are to control the media
Updated
Fiji's attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, has denied proposed new legislation is designed to control the nation's media.
Military leader and interim prime minister, Frank Bainimarama, has announced he is preparing major new media legislation.
All laws pertaining to freedom, restrictions, professional standards and the Code of Ethics will be consolidated into one media statute, under the changes.
A new tribunal will also be set up to hear appeals on complaints lodged with the Media Council.
The Media Council head, Daryl Tarte, says he is stunned by what he calls the government's deception, saying he was told just 24 hours ago that no such legislation would be introduced.
The interim attorney general, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, says Mr Tarte is over reacting
"Lets not jump the gun. Lets work together," he said.
"I think calling people names doesn't really help and I think the point is lost on people like Daryl Tarte who is sort of jumping up and down at this stage.
"We have specifically said we do not want to control the media."
