Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau [right] has dismissed Opposition MP Lynda Tabuya’s end of week statement

Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has dismissed Opposition MP Lynda Tabuya’s end of week statement to highlight the current status of the Air Terminal Services Board.

Ratu Epeli says it contravenes Standing Order 61 which states that when speaking, a member must not refer to any matter in relation to which a judicial decision is pending.

“Honorable members, I am fully aware that the statement in question was approved by the business committee, however, I’m invoking my powers on these Standing Orders 18, 20 and 1, 2, 4 and 5 and therefore rule the end of week statement by Tabuya will be removed from today’s order paper. At this juncture, I remind all honorable members that my ruling is final and there will be no debate and clarification on my ruling.”

Ratu Epeli says it is not appropriate for the proposed statement to be discussed in parliament as the matter of the ATS board is currently before the courts.