Opposition MPs walked out of Parliament this morning after Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau ruled out two motions submitted to his office by the Opposition.
This was after Opposition MP Professor Biman Prasad had requested for an urgent oral question and Opposition leader, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu had asked for an adjournment.
“I’ve had a look at the question and ruled that the question is not of urgent character or relates to a matter of public importance,” Ratu Epeli said.
“Therefore it does not qualify as an urgent question under Standing Orders 43/1,” he said.
On the motion of adjournment Ratu Epeli said he had considered the nature of the adjournment and ruled that the matters raised in the adjournment motion are not something that requires the immediate attention of Parliament or Government.
“Therefore the adjournment motion is disallowed under Standing Orders 36/2,” he said.
Ratu Epeli reminded Members of Parliament that Parliament must always respect the doctrine of separation of powers.
