Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama [left], Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau and SODELAP MP, Lynda Tabuya

Speaker of Parliament has this morning ruled there was no breach of privilege by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama against SODELAP MP.

This comes after Lynda Tabuya lodged privileges motion claiming that the PM had shouted that she should cover herself up and signaled that she should wear his jacket.

In his ruling, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau says he has reviewed the video footage in question and saw no breach of any privilege.

“It is my ruling under standing orders 134 (2C) that there is no breach of privilege, therefore, I will not be referring this matter to the Privileges Committee and there will be no further debate on this matter.” 

Opposition MP, Tabuya says she respects the Speaker’s decision.

“I respect the speaker’s ruling, he is the final judge in terms of the matter I raised on the privilege against the Prime Minister and I respect it. However, personally for me – I still feel the statement I needed to make and I make now is that the Honorable PM disrespected me and was offensive towards me when he uttered the words you should cover yourself up and made the gesture with his jacket while interjecting during the debate.”

This means the matter will not be referred to the privileges committee and there will be no further debate on the matter.

Meanwhile, Opposition Member Lynda Tabuya says she has an option to pursue the matter further with police which she is considering.