Parliament erupts in debate over Government’s international trips
HEATED discussions erupted after the topic of international trips was brought up in Parliament last week.
Opposition Member of Parliament Rinesh Sharma asked “how many international trips” members of the Government had taken.
“They really feel the heat on this question,” he said.
“How many international trips, Coalition Government?
In fact, I heard some of them, they are booking their flights right after this Parliament.”
Leader of Government Ro Filipe Tuisawau said the statements implied that the international travel was unnecessary and for personal benefit.
“When we look back during the FijiFirst government where they took thousands of trips for climate change meetings, what happened,” he asked. “Now, he is imputing improper motives for all the travel we did. The other point, a lot of these travels are funded internationally from international organisations, and it is for mandated meetings and international obligations which we are obliged to.”
Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu also contributed to the proceedings and informed the MPs that overseas trips are necessary.
“We are not living in an isolated island, but rather we live in this global village, and we are part and parcel of what is happening surrounding us and those that are beyond us,” he said.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka also reiterated in Parliament that it was important to restore trust and respect in the region and internationally.
We are not living in an isolated island, but rather we live in this global village and we are part and parcel of what is happening surrounding us and those that are beyond us – Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu