Minister for Trade, Premila Kumar

Minister for Trade, Premila Kumar weighed in on the Privileges Committee report.

Kumar supporting the recommendations for an apology or face half a year suspension for the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Opposition MP, Pio Tikoduadua.

In delivering her response to the amended motion by the Opposition to have the Prime Minister apologise and be suspended for two years, Kumar highlighted that there was no doubt that Bainimarama was provoked by Tikoduadua.

Kumar explained it was only natural that Bainimarama acted as he did give the personal relationship he had with Tikoduadua and the history they have shared.

The personal attack by Tikoduadua on the Prime Minister’s family she says was reprehensible and reason for the breach of privilege by Bainimarama.

“Personally this was uncalled for and was inappropriate for this August House. If the subsequent events and actions were unfortunate than the provocation and statement by Honourable Pio Tikoduadua was just as unfortunate.”

Kumar adding that she concurs with the Privilege Committee’s report and that both the Bainimarama and Tikoduadua should apologise and that Parliament should move on.

Meanwhile, the debate in the house continues.