Fiji's Speaker has referred Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama and Opposition MP Pio Tikoduadua to the Privileges Committee over an alleged assault early last month.
Frank Bainimarama, the prime minister of Fiji during the opening ceremony of COP 24, the 24th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Photo: AFP/Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto
Mr Tikoduadua had claimed he was assaulted by the prime minister on the 9th of August.
Footage emerged of Mr Bainimarama grabbing and shoving Mr Tikoduadua outside parliament.
Pio Tikoduadua Photo: CC BY-SA 4.0
Ratu Epeli Nailatikau told Parliament today the matter deserves more investigation.
"I have had the opportunity to view the CC TV footage and having considered all relevant materials, I have decided (under Standing Order 13428) that there has been a prima facie breach of privilege by both the honourable prime minister and the honourable Tikoduadua," Ratu Epeli said.
The Speaker said a report on the alleged incident is expected to be tabled in Parliament on Thursday.
Ratu Epeli said he had also read the Hansard reports of 9 August.
He said he found both Mr Bainimarama and Mr Tikoduadua breached their rights under the standing orders "for words allegedly spoken and acts allegedly done within the parliamentary precincts."
Deputy speaker Veena Bhatnagar will chair the privileges committee.
Others members include Attorney-General Aiyaz Saiyed-Khaiyum, Defence Minister Inia Seruiratu, Assistant Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Alvick Maharaj, Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka and Opposition MP Litia Qionibaravi.