18 Feb 2020

Fiji MPs stage Parliament walkout

3:37 pm on 18 February 2020

Members of Fiji's Opposition walked out of Parliament this morning after three of their petitions were dismissed by the Speaker.

Fiji's parliament buildings in Suva.

Fiji's parliament buildings in Suva. Photo: RNZ / Jamie Tahana

The Fiji Times reports Ratu Epeli Nailatikau struck out a petition by Opposition MP Viliame Gavoka saying it did not meet the requirements.

Mr Gavoka had called for a review of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources for a proposed mining project in Sigatoka.

"The situation in Sigatoka is quite grave and they believe they've elected their members into Parliament to speak on their behalf and they are a free people and the petition their parliament to look into a matter of great importance to them," Mr Gavoka said.

Two other petitions submitted by SODELPA's Lynda Tabuya were also dismissed.

Sodelpa MP Lynda Tabuya.

Sodelpa MP Lynda Tabuya. Photo: Wikimedia commons / Stemoc