Fiji’s newly elected Speaker of Parliament, retired Judge Justice Filimone Jitoko, has pledged to uphold the values of fairness, impartiality, and respect for parliamentary democracy in his new role.
After thanking Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for the nomination, Jitoko, a non-politician by background, highlighted the importance of equality and respect for all members of Parliament, regardless of political affiliation. He also highlighted the obligation to respect both the will of the majority and the rights of the minority.
“I intend to listen to and work with each one of you to continue the work of my predecessor, the Turaga Bale na Tui Cakau, in transforming our parliament into an effective and efficient instrument for serving our beloved nation,” Jitoko said.
“The seat I now occupy is one entrusted with the highest level of responsibility. It requires a vigilant devotion to the rules and principles of parliamentary democracy, guided by three basic tenets: that all members have equal rights, privileges, and obligations; that the will of the majority prevails and must be carried out; and that the rights of the minority must be preserved.”
Jitoko said that, while he is not a politician, his previous work in the judiciary and executive branches of government has prepared him to serve impartially in the legislature.
“The basic rules of dispensing justice, as was the objective in my previous calling, equally apply here,” he said. “With this appointment, I will have now served in all three branches of government: the executive, which deals with the enforcement of the law; the judiciary, which interprets the law; and now the legislature, the supreme law-making authority of this land. I could not have asked for a more fulfilling life in my nearly 50 years of public service to my beloved nation.”
He acknowledged the progress Parliament has made over the past two years and promised to continue the work of his predecessor.
“This position also requires a progressive outlook, constantly seeking solutions and sustainable pathways to strengthen democracy in Fiji,” he said.
Jitoko also thanked his family for their support, recognising them as pillars of strength and inspiration.
“Like all our families, they have remained pillars of strength and never-ending sources of support and inspiration to each of us in doing good for this nation,” he said. “For me, I sincerely thank my family for their unwavering support, knowing that I will now be spending more time in these chambers and its precincts.”
Jitoko assumed the role of Speaker after securing a majority of 35 votes to 15 over the Leader of the Opposition’s nominee, Ruveni Nadalo, following a roll-call vote in Parliament today. The position had been vacant since Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu was elected President two weeks ago.
Born in 1949 in Kabara, Lau, Jitoko is a proud family man with two sons and two daughters. He attended prominent schools, including Ratu Kadavulevu and Queen Victoria School, and later studied law at Victoria University in Wellington. He was also active in sports during his youth. After being admitted to the New Zealand and Fiji Bars in 1978, Justice Jitoko held various positions, including Solicitor General, Resident Magistrate, Puisne Judge of the High Court of Fiji, and President of the Fiji Court of Appeal. He also served as Chief Justice of Nauru. Justice Jitoko represented Fiji diplomatically as Ambassador to the UK, Holy See, Denmark, and Israel, and worked in the UN and U.S. Embassy. He served as Secretary to Cabinet and as a Senior Lecturer at the University of the South Pacific. He was also Chairman of the Kabara Development Corporation, Governor on the Adi Cakobau School Board, and President of the Fiji Cricket Association.
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