Tikoca apologises in Parliament

The Parliamentary Privileges Committee is currently meeting to discuss the recommendations to be taken back to parliament regarding Opposition Whip, Ratu Isoa Tikoca’s case. 

Ratu Isoa Tikoca today apologized to members of parliament and the people of Fiji if he has hurt them while making any of his speeches.

Ratu Isoa made a point of order to make his statement when parliament commenced today.

Speaker Doctor Jiko Luveni says Tikoca’s comments are noted.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Privileges Committee Ruveni Nadalo has confirmed to Fijivillage that they will meet again this afternoon to look into a matter of privilege concerning Tikoca.

Nadalo says they are yet to make their final decision.

The committee is expected to report back to parliament with its recommendations by this Friday.

Nadalo had earlier confirmed to Fijivillage that he has excused himself from chairing the meeting as he was the Speaker in Parliament when the incident occurred.

Government MP Netani Rika was then appointed to chair the meeting.

The opposition MPs in the committee opposed this and Nadalo had to come back to chair the meeting.    

The Speaker and the Parliamentary Secretariat have not released details on the matter of privilege and the MP concerned.

However Fijivillage has received information that 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.

Opposition Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa has refused to make any comments.

Doctor Luveni says that she expects the report from the committee this week.