I don't know why our journalists should whine about something as trifling as a little criticism by minister Emilia Pires' of their work. They said that Pires insulted them, and so grave were the insults that they are now even threatening to boycott coverage of the minister's activities. That's a little over the top isn't it? Don't they have the editorial section in their respective newspapers for this kinds of quarrel? How about concentrating your energy by covering the issue and getting to the bottom of it instead of making pointless public statements? In fact what you are doing is you are taking away the focus on the issue you are supposed to be covering. And that is not what journalism is all about. So stop whining and do your work!
Suara Timor Lorosae
21 February 2013
Editors Forum Laments: "FM Emilia Pires Insulted Journalism Profession"
The forum of Timor-Leste editors have lamented the accusation by the Finance Minister, Emilia Pires, as an insult to the journalist professional. During the plenary debate of the general budget of the state for 2013 in a national parliament recently, Minister Emilia Pires, insulted them saying that journalists liked to manipulate, and lied to the public recording one thing and writing another.
Emilia Pires made these statements in response to statement by dignity (MP) Osorio Florindo in the national parliament who asked regarding the case of allegations of abuse of power involving Minister Emilia Pires.
A number of newspaper articles have published the allegations that Emilia Pires abused her power to give a supply contract facility for the National Hospital to her husband, Warren McLeod. In a press conference held at the Timor Post editorial room last Wednesday 20th of February, the spokesperson for the Editors Forum, Otelio Ote said that the statements by the finance minister Emilia Pires about the whole journalism profession generally in the country engaging in manipulation in their reporting, denigrated the journalism profession as a whole.
"We consider that the statements are an insult to the journalism profession," affirmed Otelio Ote. The spokesperson for the Editors Forum also demanded that the finance minister explained to the public why she made those statements, of them recording one thing and reporting another. If Minister Emilia does not explain to the public as demanded, then it means she does intend to insult the whole of the journalism profession, and all private media organisations in Timor-Leste will not report on anything involving the finance minister Emilia Pires.
The editors Forum spokesperson also appealed to all citizens to use their right of reply to the media to clarify any information or news that they feel is unsatisfactory or untrue.
Ote also explained that in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, a country that gained independence only 20 May 2002, is still developing. Article 40 and 41 of the Constitution of the RDTL safeguards the importance of freedom of opinion/expression and freedom of the press. During 38 years the Timor-Leste media made a strong contribution to the process of liberating the country, reconstruction of the nation and national development in the twelve years since independence.
Nowadays media organisations and journalists are growing by the number constantly, and they are becoming an important part of the National development, with 4 important functions of informing, educating, controlling and entertaining, with the media striving to contribute to every aspect of the development of the people and the nation.
The media in this country, currently faces big challenges, in the process of having access to public information, especially from ministers, who have a duty to make information available to the public promptly.
Well said. I agree.
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