Former Parliament Secretary-General Mary Chapman made a strong statement recently, describing the current state of Parliament as a “Banana Parliament.” This comment came in response to remarks made by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and the Sugar Industry, Charan Jeath Singh, and subsequent remarks from Opposition MP Parveen Kumar.
Chapman expressed her concern over the level of discourse in the House, noting that such aggressive exchanges were uncommon during her tenure. She argued that the Speaker would have promptly intervened to maintain decorum in those days.
“It’s not like a Parliament anymore. It’s just like a Banana Parliament. People are calling each other murderers and liars. All this is unbecoming,” she remarked. Chapman emphasized the need for parliamentary language and stressed that the House should not be treated as a venue for jokes and insults.
Drawing on her extensive experience, she pointed out that Parliament is crucial for the governance of Fiji and criticized the current culture where members face personal attacks. Chapman reflected on how, in the past, making accusations such as calling someone a liar could lead to suspension, contrasting it with the current environment that escalates to serious allegations.
The situation in Parliament has been troubling for some time, with sessions marked by heckling and interruptions that were broadcast live, leading many to misinterpret this chaos as normal political behavior. The pressing question remains: when will order and respect return to parliamentary proceedings?
Chapman highlighted the need for dignified discourse and suggested that discussions about the appropriateness of language used in Parliament should be foundational to restoring proper conduct. Her observations underline a significant concern regarding the political climate in Fiji, as the trend towards disorder could compromise democratic governance.
As she aptly stated, “Somebody has to put their foot down unless you want this to be a real Banana Parliament.” It is essential to uphold the integrity of Parliament as a forum for serious governance rather than a platform for personal attacks.