National Federation Party MP Pio Tikoduadua [Source: Fijian Parliament]

National Federation Party MP Pio Tikoduadua has clarified why they walked out of parliament today.

Tikoduadua and fellow NFP MP Lenora Qereqeretabua walked out after the motion raised by Tikoduadua to amend the Sugar Industry Act 2015 was removed by Speaker Ratu Epeli Nailatikau.

Tikoduadua says this is not the first time as there were a few instances this week where the opposition’s freedom of speech was throttle during this week’s parliament sitting.

While referring to his motion this morning, Tikoduadua says they respected the speaker’s ruling however they do not agree with the rationale of his decision.

Tikoduadua claimed that all thorough processes were followed before the motion is presented in parliament.

He says in the last parliamentary term a motion the same as the one ruled out today was debated and it was raised by NFP leader in May 2015.

Tikoduadua confirms they will also be writing to the Speaker to highlight their concern.