Speaker to comment later on profanities used during National Budget Debate

Speaker of Parliament Doctor Jiko Luveni has opted to comment later in relation to profanities used during the National Budget debate in parliament late Wednesday which was broadcast live on free to air television stations and streamed live on the internet.

The offensive word was said a few times as Local Government Minister Parveen Bala was explaining about the funding for the heritage sites in Levuka.

The word was said by a member of the Opposition as the person interjected while Bala was giving the explanation.

Bala then questioned the Opposition, saying who had said the word.

This was repeated by Bala in parliament.

This is the audio recording. Please note that we have bleeped the word.

It is impossible for live coverage to be stopped to avoid offensive words from going on air as no one can tell that such words will be uttered.

Media Industry Development Authority Chairman Ashwin Raj said the politicians should be responsible and ensure such things do not happen.

We have asked the Speaker how she will deal with this matter.

Profanities were also used earlier this year when the issue about Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s comments about the Speaker at a SODELPA meeting was discussed.

Some of the parliamentarians repeated the swear words in parliament which was broadcast live on TV and streamed live on the internet.

According to parliamentary standing orders, it is out of order for a member, when speaking, to use offensive words against Parliament or another member.

According to the Media Code of Ethics which is also in the Media Industry Development Decree, media organizations shall recognize socially accepted general standards of decency and taste in language and behaviour, bearing in mind the context in which the language and behaviour occur, and, for broadcasters, the timing of transmission and likely audience of the programme.