Fiji's Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says the government has manipulated the numbers in its Covid-19 response Budget unveiled on Thursday.
The former prime minister claimed a "fair share" of the stimulus package was being used for purposes other than addressing the threat of the coronavirus.
Fiji's SODELPA leader, Sitiveni Rabuka. Photo: RNZ / Koroi Hawkins
Mr Rabuka said suspension of the parliamentary rules and procedures deprived the House from properly debating the appropriation bill.
He said it was time for the government to come clean and tell the people the truth.
The opposition claimed it was only given less than 24 hours to scrutinise the supplementary budget.
The government launched a $US400m budget on Thursday night to address the Covid-19 threat.
Finance Minister Aiyaz Saiyed Khaiyum said the Budget would bring relief to families with more than half the funds allocated to workers and businesses.
He said it would also equip doctors and nurses with the tools they needed to combat the virus and keep the country safe.
However the opposition National Federation Party leader Biman Prasad said if the government was adamant in fast-tracking the budget it should have taken up the NFP's offer last week.
Mr Prasad said they wrote to the Prime Minister in an attempt to work with the government on the contents of the budget before Thursday's announcement.
He said this would've fast-tracked the debate and helped the swift delivery of assistance to Fijians.
Opposition politician detained over social media comments
Meanwhile the Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya missed the Budget debate after she was detained overnight by police for her social media posts.
Her lawyer confirmed the investigation related to the Public Order Act which Ms Tabuya was alleged to have violated with "malicious writings of false news or reports tending to create or foster public alarm and anxiety."
Opposition Whip Lynda Tabuya Photo: Wikimedia commons / Stemoc
Earlier transgender advocate Isireli Biumaitotoya was taken into custody overnight for a similar offence.
Police officer suspended over lockdown breach
In another case a senior police officer was suspended following charges relating to a breach of the lockdown restrictions in Lautoka.
Police chief Sitiveni Qiliho said the official allegedly left the city for Sigatoka last weekend.
Mr Qiliho warned police officers intent on serving their own needs would be punished.
He said the accused faced one count of disobedience of lawful order and will appear in court.
Earlier police charged the driver of a senior university official with disobedience of lawful order.
Police say the driver transported Vice Chancellor of the University of Fiji, Sushila Chang, from the lockdown area in Lautoka to Nadi Airport on Monday.
Mr Qiliho said Ms Chang violated the lockdown restrictions and boarded a flight to Sydney.
Her work permit had now been cancelled.
University chair Kamlesh Arya told FBC News Ms Chang had been informed of the decision to terminate her employment at the institution.
Ms Chang had also been declared a prohibited immigrant for an indefinite period.
A police checkpoint at the main crossing to Lautoka City from Natalau. Photo: Supplied
