A leading Cook Islands Cabinet Minister has spoken out against moves to have a Minister for the Media and legislation to place controls on the media.
Wilkie Rasmussen, whose portfolios include Foreign Affairs and Cultural Development, told Cook Islands Television there are more important priorities for the Government to focus on.
Rasmussen, a lawyer and former journalist, said there is no need for a Minister for the Media., and there is no need for a proposed Media Bill which would set up a Government-controlled Media Commission,.
The proposals are being promoted from the office of Deputy Prime Minister Sir Terepai Maoate, but have run into strong public and media opposition.
