Transcript
Sodelpa's Ratu Isoa Tikoca was found to have breached parliamentary rules around freedom of speech by listing Muslim officials serving in high office in the government of Frank Bainimarama. There has been heightened sensitivity around the issue since Mr Bainimarama's military coup in 2006 followed by his election to power in 2014 with long-time running mate Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum. Mr Bainimarama warned Ratu Isoa's words are how hatred is sown as with Hitler's campaign against Jews.
"Tomorrow when it suits aggressors it could be North Indians and South Indians and Gujaratis. It could be Chinese, it could be the Catholics.
Mr Bainimarama said the speech was the worst breach of parliamentary rules yet
"We have to be vigilant in punishing any form of discrimination and jealously guard against any efforts to promote such hatred."
Ratu Isoa's suspension until the end of the term follows that of Tupou Draunidalo, of the opposition NFP. She's also out for the two years remaining until the next election after calling a government MP a fool. And last year Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu got two years' suspension for allegedly using an offensive word against the speaker at a meeting outside parliament. Opposition members said the latest suspension was also harsh and unreasonable and wanted the suspension reduced to 30 days.
"There's a tyranny of majority on the other side. You've sent two members out of Parliament. You've been told by the IPU that it was wrong, that it was unreasonable yet you want to go again and suspend another member."
The leader of the NFP Biman Prasad was referring to an international parliamentary body, the Inter Parliamentary Union, which had warned Fiji over one of the previous suspensions.
"This motion by this government, they could be accused of inciting religious hatred. They're heightening this tension and hoping that somehow the Muslim community will vote for them in 2018. They won't. Many of them out there understand what is the real issue."
Before leaving the Parliament Ratu Isoa apologised but said he was not a racist and was only addressing the bubbling concerns of the people he represents.
"You know that I did not address any religion, nor do I address any race. It is purely a concern of a guy, a peacekeeper who has gone around all the world to fight only with one thing, peace and no instability."
Ratu Isoa is not allowed near the parliamentary precinct including opposition offices for the remainder of the parliamentary term.
