Speaking in our mother language should be a point of self identity which should be celebrated and not repressed - Tikoduadua

National Federation Party President Pio Tikoduadua says speaking in our mother language should be a matter of pride, a point of self identity which should be celebrated and not repressed.

Tikoduadua says today, the Fijian government is apparently celebrating International Mother Language Day on its social media platform.

In a statement, Tikoduadua says he sees this as a sad joke.

Tikoduadua further says this is a sham commitment by the government that prevents them from speaking their mother languages in parliament.

He adds provided that there is accurate translation, he sees no problems if any of his parliamentary colleagues chooses to speak in their mother language.

Tikoduadua says he reiterates his call on parliament that he made in its standing orders committee to allow MP’s to express themselves in the language of the people that they have been chosen to represent.