Usamate argues, ‘They’re still MPs’

The 17 FijiFirst Members of Parliament (MPs) who were terminated by the party last week, still maintain that they hold parliamentary seats unless a formal notification comes from the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.

FijiFirst MP Jone Usamate, among the terminated, reiterated that unless a formal notification is addressed to them by the Speaker, they would remain as MP.

He said as of now, nothing had been communicated to them from the Executive Arm of Government.

Mr Usamate joins Mosese Bulitavu and Alvick Maharaj, two of the terminated MPs, in criticising and challenging the process undertaken by their party to remove them from their parliamentary seats.

The trio has been vocal ever since their termination made it to the headlines, a precedent that has never been seen before.

“We will wait for the Speaker,” Mr Usamate said.

On May 24, only three MPs voted against the salary increase- Faiyaz Koya, Hem Chand and Premila Kumar.

Rinesh Sharma, Joseph Nand, Viam Pillay and Ketan Laln abstained from voting.

The 16 MPs who voted in favour were Mr Bulitavu, Sanjay Kirpal, Semi Koroilavesau, Shalen Kumar, Virendra Lal, IoaneNaivalurua, Sachida Nand, Vijay Nath, Viliame Naupoto, Ratu Josaia Niudamu, Penioni Ravunawa, Taito Rokomatu, Inia Seruiratu, Alipate Tuicolo, Naisa Tuinaceva and Mr Usamate.

The 17th, Mr Maharaj, who is a member of the Emolument Committee, did not vote and was also axed by the party.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj