Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has deferred his ruling on a Point of Order raised during Parliament's Committee of Supply debate following a heated exchange over the Tuatua Gas Crematorium in Labasa and allegations of racial vilifications.
Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj once again raised concerns about the crematorium, saying that under Hindu Vedic rituals, the body must be positioned so that the head faces north during the final cremation rites.
Maharaj says it is the public's plea for the Government to rectify what he described as an error by re-aligning the furnace at the Tuatua Cemetery so that families can perform the final rites of their loved ones in accordance with their religious beliefs.
Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh had earlier clarified that the crematorium is a public facility and is not exclusively for the Hindu community.
Responding to Maharaj during yesterday's debate, Singh said God is everywhere and within everyone.
He says while the Ministry is working to promote social cohesion, Maharaj is trying to split the hair in this country and asked him not to create divisions through politics.
Opposition MP Jone Usamate then raised a Point of Order, saying the language used by the Minister was unacceptable and accusing people in a manner that could invite racial and religious vilification should not be allowed.
Usamate further says Singh should be taken to task for his comments as it is totally unacceptable.
Speaker Jitoko was expected to deliver his ruling today, however, he said he had not yet received the Hansard of the proceedings.
The ruling will now be delivered at a later date.
