The Information Ministry has hit out at blog sites carrying messages from former 3FIR Commander Ratu Tevita Mara.

Information Permanent Secretary Sharon Smith-Johns called a press conference regarding media coverage given to Mara and his outbursts against the government.

Smith-Johns says local media and those in New Zealand have fuelled rumours about Mara and helped spread false accusations.

She says the blogs are not a credible source of information, run by failed politicians with a motive and by disgruntled journalists who are not even from Fiji.

According to the Ministry, the blog sites stir up rumours and emotions to try and de-stabilise Fiji.

Smith-Johns says her ministry can’t keep refuting rumours picked up by media organisations from the blog sites and they will now no longer respond to any blog reports.

According to the Permanent Secretary, false reports on the internet have led to Australia’s revised travel advisory on Fiji.

Meanwhile the government has also denied blog site reports the Prime Minister is receiving $700,000 as his annual salary.

The Permanent Secretary says the government will no longer go over the rumours to justify the Prime Minister’s pay.

She says those behind the blog sites, making the allegations need to show proof if they have any.

Report by : Edwin Nand