Clarifying reports

Semi Koroilavesau, Suva

I wish to clarify two points of reporting that the Fiji Times wrote in their column during the Budget debates.

Firstly it was reported that Honourable Salote Radrodro from SODELPA was able to convince me to support her motion in the debate. This is far from the truth and the fact was that I indicated to the Opposition that Hon Radrodro’s response to the increases in the budget by suggesting the transfer of funds to cover the suggested increases was good sense and should be the norm. I had suggested the above, as the Opposition had complained bitterly about their highly manufactured debt level and on the other hand suggested huge increases that had no basic reason. I had suggested that at the end of the day the Budget has to be balanced. Secondly the comment on Flotsam and Jetsam on Saturday 9, July seem to suggest that I wanted to support Honourable Alvik Avhikrit Maharaj, and stood to make a point of order. In fact I was testing to see if I will be allowed to make a statement without stating any point in the Standing Order as the Opposition has been doing throughout the proceedings. I was shouted down by the Opposition which proved my point that any interjections had to be loud to be heard. I could have made a point of order from any of the sections available in the standing order but I deliberately chose not to.

Politics is a very interesting game especially when one wants to portray predetermined results especially when watching from the sideline. I now can confirm the side Fiji Times is supporting in this political football.