Social Democratic Liberal Party parliamentarian Mosese Bulitavu has apologised to the people of Fiji who were offended by his comments on social media.

In particular, he has apologised to the women of Fiji and also to the Indo-Fijian community.

SODELPA president and MP, Ro Filipe Tuisawau and Mr Bulitavu issued a joint statement yesterday.

Mr Bulitavu had posted on social media “tovo vulagi sega ni vakaitaukei sega ni vakarisito (this foreign behaviour is not iTaukei, nor Christian).

He had posted that murder and stabbing in the past were only done by Fijians who were descendants of the indentured labourers from British India and were never part of Fijians who are iTaukei’s.

After receiving an explanation from Mr Bulitavu yesterday afternoon, Ro Filipe ordered him to put his post down and apologise to those who were offended by the post.

Ro Filipe also reiterated that “SODELPA stood with the people in upholding the rights of our women, irrespective of ethnicity and is against gender-based violence”.

Meanwhile, the National Federation Party said racial slurs and malicious attacks had no place in society.

“At a time when every effort is being made for the social, economic and political advancement of women, Mr Bulitavu’s comment raises serious questions about his intention to racially denigrate women,” said party leader Biman Prasad.

Edited by Susana Tuilau

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