Opposition MP Sanjay Kirpal has announced he will not move forward with filing a complaint regarding the actions of certain MPs who blocked his entry to the Opposition Chambers last Thursday. In an interview, he confirmed he also would not engage the Privileges Committee concerning peers who derogatorily referred to him and three other members as “snakes.”
Kirpal expressed forgiveness towards those MPs, emphasizing his desire to move past the incident. He noted that he had not returned to the Opposition Chambers since the confrontation.
Last Wednesday, Kirpal, along with fellow MPs Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Rinesh Sharma, voted alongside the Government in favor of suspending Standing Orders 6(5) and 92, allowing the Prime Minister to proceed with the first reading of the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025. Their support for the motion to suspend standing orders was met with hostility, illustrating ongoing tensions within the parliamentary proceedings.
Reflecting on previous similar incidents, Kirpal pointed out that there have been occasions where even past Attorneys General voted for similar motions without facing backlash from opposition members. This highlights a persistent challenge within Fiji’s Parliament, characterized by hostility and a decline in respectful discourse among lawmakers. Former Parliament Secretary-General Mary Chapman has criticized the environment, calling it a “Banana Parliament” due to rising levels of disrespectful exchanges.
Despite these challenges, there is a glimmer of hope as Kirpal’s actions signal a willingness to promote forgiveness and understanding among members, perhaps paving the way for more constructive dialogue and a renewed focus on civility in Fiji’s legislative processes. The incident underscores the pressing need for respectful communication and clear comprehension of parliamentary procedures, which are crucial for advancing democracy in Fiji.
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