Deputy PM says he will not comment on whether Bainimarama allegedly breached standing orders when attacking the President

Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica says he will not comment on whether the coalition government will raise the issue of Leader of the Opposition, Voreqe Bainimarama allegedly breaching parliamentary standing orders when he attacked President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere in his speech.

Section 62 of the standing orders says when speaking a member must not impute improper motives to any other member.

It says the President’s name may not be introduced to influence Parliament or any committee, the conduct of members, the President, the Chief Justice (performing the functions of the office of President under section 88 of the Constitution), members of the judiciary, or other persons acting in a judicial capacity must not be raised, except on a motion with notice introduced with the Speaker’s permission.

In any other situation, reference to the conduct of any of these individuals is out of order.

The standing orders also says it is out of order for a member, when speaking, to use offensive words against Parliament or another member; treasonable words; seditious words; or words that are likely to promote or provoke feelings of ill-will or hostility between communities or ethnic groups within Fiji.

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