A significant report from the Fiji Times on October 2 highlights a concerning trend among Fijians who are investing considerable time in consuming adult content online. During a parliamentary session, it was revealed that in just three months, individuals accessed pornographic sites consuming a staggering 626.13 terabytes of data, which is comparable to reading a hundred million books in that same timeframe.
In sports news, a photograph featured on the front page showcases the national schoolboy rugby team celebrating their historic victory over the Australian schoolboys at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka.
The special Kaila! edition of The Fiji Times is available every Wednesday, encouraging readers to pick up a copy.
In a separate matter, former Secretary-General to Parliament, Mary Chapman, voiced strong criticism over what she described as a “Banana Parliament.” Her remarks came in response to comments made by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs Charan Jeath Singh and Opposition MP Parveen Kumar. Chapman lamented the current state of parliamentary decorum, stating that such confrontational exchanges were uncommon during her tenure.
She noted that discussions in Parliament have devolved into personal attacks, with members brandishing terms like “murderer” and “liar,” which she deemed inappropriate. Chapman emphasized that Parliament is meant for serious discourse, essential for governance in Fiji.
Reflecting on her experience, she highlighted that calling someone a liar could once result in suspension, contrasting it with the current environment where extreme accusations have become common. This decline in respectful communication raises critical questions about the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and the overall state of political discourse in Fiji.
Chapman called for a return to order and respect within parliamentary discussions, emphasizing the need to uphold the dignified conduct that is expected in governance. Her strong stance serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the integrity of parliamentary discussions and avoiding the chaos that can undermine democratic processes. She warned that unless firm action is taken, the conduct within Parliament may continue to resemble a “Banana Parliament.”