Foul language and derogatory comments made by SODELPA parliamentarian in constituency meeting

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.

Fijivillage was at SODELPA’s public constituency meeting at Penueli Methodist Church Hall in Makoi last night when this was done.

We have bleeped the following audio from the meeting last night due to foul language being used.

Police had earlier confirmed that this was a public meeting and this is the reason why SODELPA needed a permit to have the constituency meetings.

We have sent questions to the Speaker of Parliament Doctor Jiko Luveni.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says he is saddened to hear that Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has chosen to denigrate the Office of the Speaker of our Parliament by swearing in the vernacular at the Honourable Speaker, Jiko Luveni.

In a statement, Bainimarama says the Speaker of Parliament holds a very esteemed position in our Constitutional System of Government in which Parliament is the supreme law making body.

The Prime Minister says to have Honourable Lalabalavu who has not acted very honourably, publicly use abusive terms is scandalous to say the least and is an attack on the Fijian Parliamentary system of governance.

Bainimarama says the Speaker represents the Parliament and an attack on the Speaker is an attack on Parliamentary democracy.

The Prime Minister further says that the unfortunate thing for the Opposition has been that it has not come to grips with the fact that they did not win the elections and they are not in government and thus, have resorted to cheap and abusive politics.

Bainimarama says as a result of this frustration of theirs, they have simply embarked now both in and out of Parliament on an agenda of vilifying individuals and spreading misinformation on the proceedings in Parliament.

He says this unfortunate attack on the Speaker is the height of all abuse.

The Prime Minister says parliament must not allow this type of unbecoming behavior to ever take place again.