Remember Ratu Isoa Tikoca’s religious attack in July’s Parliament sitting? Well it seems likely that it’s going to haunt him.

Yesterday, in what could only be described as a desperate attempt to defend himself, the Opposition MP apologised for his actions in Parliament.

After raising a point of order, he requested if he could be given the opportunity to express his concerns before the House.

“Madam Speaker if at any time I have hurt Members of Parliament and the people of Fiji, members of this august House during my recent speech, even in all my speeches and remarks I have made in the past, I beg humbly to apologise to you all and request your forgiveness, please,” Ratu Isoa said.

While his statement may be forgiven in church, it cannot be taken lightly especially when thousands of viewers are watching on television.

Ratu Isoa while launching a scathing personal attack on Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum read out names of prominent Muslims and insinuated that their appointment was based on their religion. That is, all these highly qualified people were only appointed because they share the same faith as Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

A bit like saying Christians only are appointed because they share the same faith as the PM. That’s the background to Ratu Isoa being referred to Parliament’s Privileges Committee.  (see list right). Their decision will be the one that counts.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

Feedback:  jyotip@fijisun.com.fj

PEOPLE THAT RATU ISOA NAMED IN HIS STATEMENT:

“Mr Deputy Speaker, the Ministry of Economy has direct oversight over the strategic sectors:

The Sugar Industry under the management of Abdul Khan.

The Fiji Hardwood and Fiji Pine under the management of Faiz Khan.

Fisheries – PAFCO under the chairmanship of Ikbal Jannif, who is also the Vice Chancellor of FNU.

Tourism – I refer to Airports Fiji Limited with Faiz Khan as board (executive) chairman and CEO and Air Terminal Services chaired by Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum;

Border Security (Biosecurity Authority of Fiji) managed by Xavier Khan.

State Broadcasting managed by Riyaz Sayed-Khaiyum which has been allocated $6.7 million for Public Service Broadcast (Radio) and Public Service Broadcast (TV) $4.6 million.

Ministry of Commerce managed by Shaheen Ali.

Commerce Commission has a Board Member, Firoz Ahmed Ghazali who is of Pakistan descent. 2016-2017 Appropriation Bill 2016 5th July, 2016

The Central Bank is co-managed by Ariff Ali.

The Finance Intelligence Unit managed by Razim Buksh.

The Elections Office managed by Mr Mohammed Saneem.

Government ITC – management headed by Nisar Ali. They are also digitalising the Vola ni Kawa Bula in TLTB (iTaukei Land Trust Board).

Our Geneva Mission where World Trade Organisation is based is managed by Nazhat Shameem Khan.

Hamid Ali founder of the road contractor NAIM from Malaysia, close friend of some people on that side.

Recently FICAC laws were amended and now given the same powers as Police. So, now Fiji has two Police Force; one Controlled by Commissioner of Police and another is controlled by the A-G himself.”