Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua has made it clear that what Leader of the Opposition, Voreqe Bainimarama said in parliament today to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces is treasonous.
Tikoduadua stresses the matters in relation to the RFMF is treasonous.
He says the issue should be referred to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee.
The Minister asks can parliament deserve that for its integrity and do the people deserve it.
Tikoduadua says its irresponsible for Bainimarama to do that and no leader with caliber would do it.
While responding to the President's speech, Bainimarama said President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has failed the Fijian people and he will go down in history as the person who aided and abetted the most incompetent and divisive government
He also says unfortunately, he has to inform the rank and file of the RFMF that all the philosophical commitment and years of hard work of the RFMF is now being undermined and disregarded by this Government.
Bainimarama says the President who we looked up to because we believed that he genuinely believed in the values and principles of Constitution has done an about turn.
The Opposition Leader says Fijians, in particular the weak and vulnerable, those who want actual and practical implementation of the rule of law, those who want the practical implementation of the Constitution and those Fijians who want socio-economic stability, all look up to the RFMF to guarantee these if and when it is under threat.
He appealed to the rank and file of the RFMF to preserve their manna, to maintain their credibility and their calling and not forsake their constitutional role.
Bainimarama says he wishes to inform the RFMF that its gift and legacy, the Fijian Constitution, is being ignored and bashed on a daily basis and the current Prime Minister wants, what the RFMF worked so hard for, removed.
Section 62 of the parliamentary 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.
Parliament resumes on Wednesday.
Stay with fijivillage News for developments as the matter of privilege is likely to be raised against Bainimarama.
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