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| I’ve been called many things over the years—some flattering, many not. It comes with the territory when you expose uncomfortable truths and hold those in power to account. But I must confess, I was genuinely taken aback when Sadhana Sen, someone I neither know personally nor have written about directly, decided to publicly call me a “creep” and cast other aspersions on my character. In 2021, I had reproduced an article from her and had credited her as our source that year. I don’t understand why she attacked me at all. I haven’t written about her. I haven’t insulted her. And I certainly haven’t indulged in personal name-calling. My work has focused on public interest issues—allegations of corruption, abuse of office, constitutional manipulation, and the slow erosion of accountability in Fiji. |  |
If that offends Ms. Sen or those she aligns with, I welcome a robust debate. But what I won’t accept—what no journalist, advocate, or citizen should accept—is being smeared simply for asking difficult questions.
Calling someone a “creep” is not a political argument. It’s not a rebuttal. It’s a cheap insult designed to humiliate and dehumanise. That tactic may win applause in social media echo chambers, but it does nothing for the public discourse. Worse, it chills it.
I’ve spent decades speaking truth to power. I’ve criticised prime ministers, ministers, judges, and generals. I’ve done so using documents, facts, and reason—not personal abuse. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how journalism must function if it’s to have any credibility.
If Ms. Sen disagrees with my reporting, I invite her to show where I’ve been inaccurate. I’ll correct any mistake, as I always have. But if the real problem is that my investigations are getting too close to people she supports - like Biman Prasad - then let’s be honest about that too. Attack the argument, not the man.
Let me be clear: I don’t take personal offence. I take issue with what this moment represents—a shift from reasoned disagreement to personal vilification. That’s not just about me. It’s about all of us who value a free and fearless press.
I won’t be silenced. Not by insults, not by threats, and certainly not by those who think shouting down dissent is a substitute for truth.
Calling someone a “creep” is not a political argument. It’s not a rebuttal. It’s a cheap insult designed to humiliate and dehumanise. That tactic may win applause in social media echo chambers, but it does nothing for the public discourse. Worse, it chills it.
I’ve spent decades speaking truth to power. I’ve criticised prime ministers, ministers, judges, and generals. I’ve done so using documents, facts, and reason—not personal abuse. That’s how I was raised, and that’s how journalism must function if it’s to have any credibility.
If Ms. Sen disagrees with my reporting, I invite her to show where I’ve been inaccurate. I’ll correct any mistake, as I always have. But if the real problem is that my investigations are getting too close to people she supports - like Biman Prasad - then let’s be honest about that too. Attack the argument, not the man.
Let me be clear: I don’t take personal offence. I take issue with what this moment represents—a shift from reasoned disagreement to personal vilification. That’s not just about me. It’s about all of us who value a free and fearless press.
I won’t be silenced. Not by insults, not by threats, and certainly not by those who think shouting down dissent is a substitute for truth.
