Debate on whether Opposition Whip Ratu Isoa Tikoca should be suspended until 2018 continues in parliament.
The Parliamentary Privileges Committee has recommended that Tikoca be suspended for the rest of the term of parliament.
Committee Chairman Ruveni Nadalo tabled the report in parliament this morning.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had filed the matter of privilege regarding Ratu Isoa Tikoca's comments in parliament during the National Budget Debate.
Tikoca had read out the names of selective people in government positions because they are of the Muslim faith.
He had also said that Sayed‑Khaiyum is leading Fiji with his own kind.
This is part of Tikoca’s comments at the time.
Tikoca yesterday apologized to members of parliament and the people of Fiji if he has hurt them while making any of his speeches.
Tikoca’s comments were noted.
The Privileges Committee members include Ruveni Nadalo, Semi Koroilavesau, Jone Usamate, Ashneel Sudhakar, Semesa Karavaki and Niko Nawaikula.
The government members in the committee moved to recommend that Tikoca be suspended for the remainder of the term of parliament and be excluded from the parliamentary precincts.
The opposition members proposed that the sanction, if any were to be imposed be limited to the requirement of an apology and a week’s suspension.
The government view was adopted as the majority.
The opposition members also walked out of the committee meeting.
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mere Vuniwaqa asked all the members of the parliament to study Tikoca’s statement and then ask themselves honestly leaving their political differences and biases aside whether there was evidence of ill will against a group of people in this country.
She says it is evident to her as an individual and a member of parliament that Tikoca’s statements were a direct attack against Muslims of this country.
Opposition MP and NFP Leader, Biman Prasad says the penalty for Ratu Isoa Tikoca is too harsh.
He says that there is no religious hatred in Fiji and he agrees with SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka that Tikoca be suspended for 30 days.
Leader of the House in parliament Inia Seruiratu says parliamentarians should never play the race or religion card, and never use words that are likely to promote or provoke feelings of ill will amongst communities in Fiji.
He stresses that everyone is equal in Fiji.
Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa calling for a 30 day suspension. She says she is not a racist as the people of Rewa had recently received the Indo Fijians as people of Noco.
Industry and Trade Minister Faiyaz Koya says Tikoca’s comments are unacceptable and he says every person he named on the list were appointed on merit.
Debate continues on the recommendation to suspend Ratu Isoa Tikoca for the remaining term of parliament.
Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka moved an amended motion that Tikoca be suspended for 30 days and not the remaining term of parliament.
Earlier today:
The Parliamentary Privileges Committee has recommended that Opposition Whip Ratu Isoa Tikoca be suspended for the rest of the term of parliament.
Committee Chairman, Ruveni Nadalo has just tabled the report in parliament.
Parliament has taken a break for a while for all the parliamentarians to read the report before debate takes place on the committee’s recommendation.
The vote will be taken after the debate.
Tikoca yesterday apologized to members of parliament and the people of Fiji if he has hurt them while making any of his speeches.
Tikoca’s comments were noted.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama had filed the matter of privilege regarding Ratu Isoa Tikoca's comments in parliament during the National Budget Debate.
Bainimarama had said at the time that Tikoca’s comments are unacceptable and he needs to be careful of his racist comments.
Bainimarama and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed Khaiyum were not in parliament when Ratu Isoa Tikoca read out the names of selective people in government positions because they are of the Muslim faith.
Tikoca had also said that Sayed Khaiyum is leading Fiji with his own kind.
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