Fiji's main opposition party is calling on the government to withdraw a bill it says will stifle any criticism or debate.
Bill 28, which is likely to be passed when parliament sits in November, proposes penalties for defaming, demeaning or undermining the sanctity of parliament.
Individuals who are convicted would face a US$15,000 fine or five years in prison, while companies would would face a US$50,000 fine and prison terms for directors and managers.
The general secretary of the Sodelpa party, Adi Litia Quonibaravi told Jamie Tahana the provisions could be turned into a political weapon.
Photo: Fiji Parliament
The government says the bill won't block criticism of MPs and only applies to the institution of parliament.
Transcript
ADI LITIA QIONIBARAVI: The issue is that this proposed bill, we view it that it is a dangerous weapon that the government will wield to silence those who dissent on members of parliament. And it's going to limit the freedom of expression and that is against the constitution, the 2013 constitution.
JAMIE TAHANA: And how exactly with that could it be wielded as a political weapon as you say?
ALQ: Well the bill proposes that no one can criticise any member of parliament and the party view that it is in many ways will silence those who wish to raise information, argue against with members of parliament may have to face so it's just going to curtail the freedom of expression that is in the constitution of Fiji and should be respected by all.
JT: A lot of countries including democracies do have laws or rules about the sanctity of parliament such as this and in this bill it seems that parliamentary privilege in the house does seem to be maintained; what exactly is your concern about this one?
ALQ: Well we are saying that Clause 24 is really a brand new provision for Fiji. And it seeks to place in place beyond reproach and beyond criticism of the legislature the speaker and parliamentary committees. For us we have reviewed the proposed bill as another vehicle to stifle free speech and discussion, which is an essential element of our fledgling democracy eleven years after the 2006 coup.
JT: Right so you are concerned as someone who criticises government about something said in parliament that this could be turned against them.
ALQ: Mmm, mmm.
JT: What exactly are you hoping for the government to do as you don't have the numbers to stop this bill do you. So what are you hoping happens?
ALQ: We are hoping that they are not going to enact this bill. We are hoping that the people of Fiji will continue to have the freedom to express their views and in particular the provision of the constitution.
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