Suspended Social Democratic Liberal Party lawyer Tanya Waqanika says the focus of the special board meeting was to “unsuspend the party” and not about caucus members.
“We have the email here if anyone feels that the caucus should be included in the special board meeting, we respect their view and challenge them in court,” Ms Waqanika said while rejecting suspended party leader Sitiveni Rabuka’s request to allow caucus representatives Ro Filipe Tuisawau, Jese Saukuru and Mosese Bulitavu into the meeting.
Mr Rabuka questioned Ms Waqanika why he was being allowed into the meeting even though he was the parliamentary leader of the suspended party and not the three caucus members.
In response, Ms Waqanika said Mr Rabuka was a party leader and not a parliamentary leader since SODELPA was suspended.
Mr Rabuka argued that his members should be allowed into the meeting for the sake of transparency.
“It’s a matter of principle and I represent the caucus and the caucus has been doing the funding.
“Why should non-funders be deciding on the future of the party?”
In response, Ms Waqanika then questioned Mr Rabuka on the issue of transparency.
“I am glad sir that you talked about transparency and just for everybody’s information, I am well aware that you went to see the Supervisor of Elections Mohammed Saneem to ask for Adi Litia Qionibaravi to be reinstated as secretary general.
“Just to let you know sir, I have done my part of transparency for the party.”
Mr Rabuka said he did not ask Mr Saneem to reinstate Adi Litia, rather he asked what the minimum requirement was since the party was suspended.
Party vice-president Ratu Epenisa Cakobau responded to Mr Rabuka, saying that they should work towards putting their differences aside and focus on the main issue at hand.
“We need you to be inside that meeting please, let’s put our difference aside,” he said.
“Me da cakacaka vata dina ni tu na duidui. (We need to work together despite our differences).
“We not only represent the party, but we also represent the people.”
