No regret or even an iota of admission of guilt was forthcoming from Bainimarama – PM

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says last week’s parliament session will be remembered for the decision it took to suspend Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

In a video message, Rabuka says Bainimarama’s response to the President’s address during the opening of parliament was deemed by the Privileges Committee and endorsed by the members of the Coalition government to be in breach of Parliamentary Privilege.

Rabuka says he wants to assure the nation that they in government, did not take delight in what they had to do.

The Prime Minister further says for a government that believes in the rule of law, and upholds the proper decorum and respect for the highest court of the land including the President’s Office, they had no choice but to ensure that the law takes its course.

Rabuka also says they followed the same rules that Bainimarama together with his government had enforced in previous sessions of parliament that saw the suspension of three members of the opposition including the current Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.