18 Aug 2006

Disciplinary action against Fiji Labour politicians still possible

3:38 pm on 18 August 2006

Disciplinary action has not been ruled out for five Fiji Labour Party dissidents who questioned their leader's decision making style.

The party president, Jokapeci Koroi, and leader Mahendra Chaudhry, withdrew charges against the five in the Suva High Court following threats of legal action by them.

But the party's lawyer, who is also Mr Chaudhry's son, says this does not prejudice the right of the FLP's national council to proceed with disciplinary action.

Rajendra Chaudhry says a letter of withdrawal to each of the five clearly stipulates this.

"Well, the constitution provides for that, that the national council can by its own motion, commence disciplinary proceedings. So there is a possibility that they could face that, yes."

Mr Chaudhry says there's nothing stopping the national council from looking at further action at their meeting tomorrow.

The five are the party's vice president Krishna Datt, deputy leader Poseci Bune and MPs Felix Anthony, Agni Deo Singh and former senator Dr Atu Emberson Bain.