Opposition member of Parliament Simione Rasova claimed in Parliament on Thursday that Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama cursed him since 2020 by calling him “FICAC”.
During debate on the review of municipal councils’ annual reports, Mr Rasova also claimed the PM was “determining” his future when he said “FICAC, five years”.
“Since Monday he has been calling me ‘FICAC’ and this has been going since 2020,” Mr Rasova said.
“Every time I stand up he calls me ‘FICAC,’ that curse today has been implemented by the institution. That is what has happened.
“And just a while ago, he cursed me and said ‘FICAC, five years’.
“And my FICAC case is on Monday, he is determining my future.”
Mr Rasova called on Speaker of the House Ratu Epeli Nailatikau to take heed of Mr Bainimarama’s comment and that the matter be referred to the privileges committee.
“The Prime Minister honourable Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama should respect the position that I hold as a member of the Opposition and should respect your (Speaker’s) position.
“It is the Speaker’s responsibility to secure and maintain the honour and dignity of Parliament, he (PM) should refrain.
“He has been calling me “FICAC” and you watch, the five years will go against me.”
Speaker of the House Ratu Epeli said he was sometimes “baffled” by Mr Rasova.
“When he is making a complaint he is smiling fully, I don’t know whether he is pulling my leg or whatever,” Ratu Epeli said.
“So whether the joke is on the Prime Minister or on me.”
During his contribution to the debate, Mr Bainimarama did not respond to Mr Rasova’s claim.
Mr Rasova faces a charge of one count of false information to public servant and obtaining financial advantage.
He is accused of falsely stated that his permanent place of residence was in Nasenivolau, Nabouwalu Village, Ono, Kadavu and allegedly obtaining $21,350 in parliamentary allowances he was not entitled to, between July 2019 and April 2020.
