3 Jun 2016

Fiji MP Draunidalo suspended for rest of term

5:34 pm on 3 June 2016
The National Federation Party MP Tupou Draunidalo.

The National Federation Party MP Tupou Draunidalo. Photo: RNZ / Sally Round

A Fiji opposition MP has been suspended for the remainder of the parliamentary term for controvening standing orders.

Parliament voted to suspend Tupou Draunidalo of the National Federation Pary this afternoon by 28 votes to 16.

The Parliamentary Privileges Committee -- which is made up of four government MPs -- had recommended Ms Draunidalo be suspended.

The recommendation followed a cross-floor shouting match on Thursday, when Ms Draunidalo apparently called the education minister, Mahendra Reddy, a "fool".

Ms Draunidalo insists that Mr Reddy called the opposition "dumb natives," something which the privileges committee says didn't happen.

The opposition this afternoon walked out of parliament in protest at Ms Draunidalo's suspension.

The parliamentary term ends in 2018.