Opposition MP Sanjay Kirpal has decided against filing a complaint regarding the behavior of certain MPs who barred his entry to the Opposition Chambers last Thursday. In a recent interview, he stated that he would also refrain from taking his case to the Privileges Committee concerning derogatory remarks referring to him and three other members as “snakes.”
Kirpal expressed a sense of forgiveness towards those involved and highlighted his intention to move forward from the incident, mentioning that he has not returned to the Opposition Chambers since the confrontation.
The previous Wednesday, Kirpal, along with fellow MPs Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Rinesh Sharma, voted with the Government to suspend Standing Orders 6(5) and 92, which allowed the Prime Minister to advance the first reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025. Their support incited hostility, clearly showcasing the ongoing tensions within parliamentary proceedings.
In light of past occurrences, Kirpal noted that there have been situations where even former Attorneys General voted in favor of similar motions without experiencing backlash from opposition members. This highlights a troubling trend in Fiji’s Parliament, where hostility and a decline in respectful discourse among lawmakers have become increasingly apparent. Former Parliament Secretary-General Mary Chapman has condemned the current atmosphere, calling it a “Banana Parliament” due to the rising tide of disrespectful exchanges.
However, Kirpal’s decision to promote forgiveness offers a hopeful outlook. It signals an opportunity for improved dialogue and the potential for fostering civility in Fiji’s legislative processes. By emphasizing the importance of respectful communication and understanding parliamentary procedures, there is a chance to strengthen the democratic foundations in Fiji, moving towards a more constructive and mature political discourse.
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