Speaker of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau has told the National Federation Party (NFP) to stop making baseless claims about the Office of the Speaker and Parliament.

While ruling NFP’s motions as out of order, yesterday Ratu Epelisaid: “The Honourable Speaker has not stifled debate on health or any other issues that Political Parties wish to bring to Parliament for debate.

“The NFP should not be making such baseless claims which purport to bring disrepute to the office of the Speaker and Parliament.”

NFP MP Lenora Qereqeretabua had submitted a motion for Parliament to set up a Special Committee to analyse, assess and report on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 response by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

However, Ratu Epeli said that these matters could be dealt with by the Standing Committee on Social Affairs. “There is no need to have a separate committee, given that there is already an existing mechanism in place – there is no need for duplication,” he said.

Ratu Epeli reminded the MP’s that the Parliament secretariat does not dictate what Members of Parliament can bring to the floor of Parliament.

He said the Parliament secretariat’s role is to implement the provisions of the Standing Orders as well as the decisions of the Business Committee.

Late Professor Brij Lal

On NFP’s second motion requesting for Parliamentary intervention to bring his ashes to Fiji, Ratu Epeli said Parliament cannot interfere with policy implementation by Government and its statutory bodies under the Doctrine of Separation of Powers.

“On that basis, this motion is out of order as it will create rise to debate which would purportedly interfere with the mandate of the Government.”

Ratu Epeli said the matter is for Professor Lal and the Department of Immigration to deal with, not Parliament.

“If they feel they have been unfairly treated, there are avenues for redress available which they should pursue. It is not for Parliament to interfere in such matters at that level.”

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