FijiFirst candidate Howard Politini and Social Democratic Liberal Party candidate, Ratu Jone Rabici Seniloli have this morning been sworn into Parliament.
Politini will occupy the seat left vacant by the Late Former Minister for Forest Osea Naiqamu whereas Ratu Jone will occupy the Parliament seat that was once held by Lynda Tabuya following her resignation last month.
Politini received 409 votes in the last election.
Politini was elected to Parliament in September 2016 following the resignation of former Defence Minister, Timoci Natuva.
The IT specialist and son of former ambassador and parliamentarian, Ratu Manasa Kikau Seniloli, Ratu Jone were announced as one of the 30 provisional candidates for SODELPA in the 2018 general election.
Ratu Jone says his vision for Fiji is to ensure that all Fijian communities have equal access to clean water, quality education, regular supply of electricity, quality health services, reliable communication services, services for Fiji’s population, good roads and regular transport services for all.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatakau has cleared the air on the reasons he rejected the motion proposed by the National Federation Party Member of Parliament, Lenora Qereqeretabua.
The motion wanted that the Parliament agrees under Standing Order 129 to establish a Special Committee to carry out a holistic inquiry into the management and operations of Fiji’s Health Systems and to establish whether or not it is effective in dealing with Fiji’s evolving health care needs.
The Speaker stresses that the Party should not be making baseless claims which purport to bring disrepute to the Office of the Speaker and parliament.
He said these matters can be dealt with by the Standing Committee on Social Affairs and there is no need to have a separate committee, given that there is already an existing mechanism.
“Honourable Members should take note that the Parliament Secretariat does not dictate what Members of Parliament can bring to the floor of parliament. The parliament secretariat rule is to implement the provisions of the Standing Orders as well as the decisions of the Business Committee. The Honourable Speaker has on many occasions ruled out or order such motions that propose to set up a special committee on particular issues because these issues can be dealt with by existing committees of parliament under their respective areas as provided for in standing orders 109.”
Nailatikau highlights that there is no need to duplicate the work carried out by the respective Committees.
SOURCE: FBC NEWS/ PACNEWS
