Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Fiji's prime minister Sitiveni Rabuka has had to step in to quell "scurrilous and unproductive" social media rumours against two of his Cabinet ministers engaging in extra-marital affairs while on a parliamentarians training visit to Australia.
On Monday, Rabuka said he met the two ministers concerned "with regard to the scurrilous allegations being propagated on social media".
Fijian social media is rife with posts claiming two Cabinet ministers, education minister Aseri Radrodro and women's minister Lynda Tabuya, were involved in an "entanglement" while on official duties overseas.
While no names were mentioned, the prime minister said he had met with both his ministers who have assured him that there is no truth in the allegations.
"I am satisfied with the response from both Ministers and I have urged them to focus on their official duties to serve the nation."
He said Cabinet was bound by a code of conduct and ministers undertake an oath under the country's constitution to "carry out their duties diligently and without fear or favour".
Rabuka said he was "satisfied" with his minister's explanations and urged Fijians to "focus on the task at hand, rather than scurrilous and unproductive speculation on social media".
He urged for responsible use of social media.
"Social media has a positive purpose in aiding communications, aiding cooperation between citizens, corporate bodies, NGOs and the international community
"I trust this will end the speculation and that we will all focus on building up each other and the nation rather than tearing each other down."
