Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has referred Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and Opposition MP Pio Tikoduadua to the Privileges Committee.

Ratu Epeli informed parliament this morning that having considered all relevant materials he has decided under Standing Order 134, subsection 2 (a) there has been a prima facie breach of privilege by Bainimarama and Tikoduadua on 9th August 2019.

The matter relates to alleged personal attack by Tikoduadua against the Prime Minister and also the altercations between Bainimarama and Tikoduadua.

“The parliament is an independent arm of the State and is fully entitled to take such measures it deems fit to maintain its integrity and decorum and to take action for breach of privilege or contempt of parliament. The Fijian Constitution and the Standing Orders of parliament are very clear, in that the control and administration of the parliamentary precinct are vested with the Speaker.”

Tikoduadua had on the day launched a scathing attack on Bainimarama, saying the PM should not be talking on violence against women and should be the last person talking about violence against women in this house and also should know what is happening in his own house

Ratu Epeli informed the House that the Prime Minister visited his Chambers on the day of the alleged altercation and apologized, while also offering to apologise to Tikoduadua in the presence of the Speaker.

The House was also informed that Ratu Epeli then attempted to arrange a meeting, but this did not eventuate because Tikoduadua was not available to meet the Speaker on his own.

Ratu Epeli then received correspondence from National Federation Party leader Professor Biman Prasad to secure security footage with an intention to bring the matter to the Privileges Committee.

The Speaker also stated in parliament there will be no debate on these matters until the Privileges Committee has returned with a report on Thursday morning.

“Time will be allocated on Thursday 5th September 2019, for parliament to consider the report and the recommendations of the privileges committee and to pass such resolutions as parliament deems just and appropriate in the circumstances.”

The parliamentary debate this week will be adjourned at 12.30pm to allow the Committee to meet.

“Given the need to expedite this privileges matter, and allow the committee to sit and deliberate and have its report ready and tabled on Thursday morning, Parliament will need to expedite its proceedings in the next few days.”

The Privileges Committee comprises of Deputy Speaker of Parliament Veena Bhatnagar as Chair while government representatives are Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu and Assistant Minister for Employment Alvick Maharaj.

Opposition MPs in the Committee are Leader of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka and Litia Qionibaravi.