The Parliamentary Privileges Committee met for the first time yesterday to look at the comments made by SODELPA parliamentarian, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu in a public meeting in Makoi last week.
The Committee Chairman is the Deputy Speaker, Ruveni Nadalo.
Committee government members include Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum, Minister for Industry and Trade, Faiyaz Koya and Minister for Agriculture, Inia Seruiratu.
Opposition members in the committee are Semesa Karavaki and Salote Radrodro.
Opposition MP, Tupou Draunidalo was part of the meeting as an alternate member for Salote Radrodro.
Majority of the members of parliament present in the house voted for the case regarding Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s comments in the Makoi meeting to be referred to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.
The motion was moved by Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum and supported by 23 MPs.
Six MPs said no to the motion, 1 abstained while 20 MPs did not vote.
The Privileges Committee has to come back with its report by Thursday.
Opposition MP Niko Nawaikula then said that the Speaker should take her time before deciding on the motion.
SODELPA MP Mosese Bulitavu also asked for evidence regarding Ratu Naiqama’s comments about the Speaker in the public meeting.
Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said they have the recording of the meeting and comments have also been made by some SODELPA officials.
SODELPA parliamentarian Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu made derogatory comments and used foul language in the itaukei language when he was asked about the decisions of the Speaker of Parliament by a Makoi resident in the public meeting.
Fijivillage was at SODELPA’s public constituency meeting at Penueli Methodist Church Hall in Makoi last Thursday night when this was done.
When approached by Fijivillage today, Opposition MPs Biman Prasad, Tupou Draunidalo and Semesa Karavaki said they will not comment on the issue as it has been referred to the Privileges Committee.
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