MPs condemn Bulitavu
Compiled by Selita Bolanavanua Photos by Ronald Kumar
Following the strong statements by the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama against Opposition MP Mosese Bulitavu, Government MPs also joined in the chorus to support the motion. Here are some notable comments:
Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Mereseini Vuniwaqa said:
The statement points to a mentality which appears to accept that it is ok for a man to beat or even kill a woman, especially if she is having an affair; a mentality which appears to accept that when men beat up their spouses, it is not a crime, as a traditional apology will cure it; a mentality which appears to promote the non-prosecution of the hideous crime of domestic violence.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations,Youth and Sports Parveen Bala said:
Fijian leaders deserve much better leaders than Bulitavu. The statement expresses horrible sentiments of racist views. The statement as such deserves no less than strictest condemnation and censure from all Fijians.
Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Rosy Akbar said as leaders:
We need to lead with integrity, compassion and with commitment to all of the people we serve. If we are not able to do this, we should not be representing Fiji at all.
Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs Selai Adimaitoga said:
When he said on social media that stabbing of women was common in descendants of indentured labourers because they had extra marital affairs, I was ashamed that someone who sits in this House with me would make such comments.
Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar said:
Women are not objects, they are source of life. National Federation Pary leader and Oppostion MP Biman Prasad supported the motion to condemn Mr Bulitavu’s statement.
This is shameful. Leader of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka said:
SODELPA stands for the rule of the law. Therefore Mr Speaker Sir, I will be the only speaker from our Parliamentary Caucus on this motion and we will be voting against the Motion on these grounds