Former Parliament secretary-general Mary Chapman made a significant remark yesterday when she criticized the current state of Parliament, referring to it as a “Banana Parliament.” Her comments were a direct response to remarks made by Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry Charan Jeath Singh, as well as Opposition member Parveen Kumar.
Chapman noted that the level of disrespect and name-calling seen in today’s Parliament, such as members accusing each other of being murderers and liars, was not something that occurred during her time in office. She emphasized that the Speaker would have intervened immediately in such instances during her tenure.
“It’s not like a Parliament anymore. It’s just like a Banana Parliament,” she stated, expressing concern over the unbecoming behavior of representatives in the House. She highlighted that Parliament should be regarded as a serious arena for governance, responsibly representing the interests of the entire nation.
Chapman recalled that in her days, calling someone a liar could lead to suspension, whereas today, the language has escalated from calling someone a liar to accusing them of being a murderer or a thief. She lamented the unfortunate spectacle that Parliament has become.
Over the past 13 years leading up to the 2022 General Elections, parliamentary sessions had normalized heckling and disrespectful behavior. Such conduct was evident as members were booed and shouted down during speeches, making it seem acceptable to those unfamiliar with proper parliamentary procedures.
The pressing question now is when parliamentary order and respect will be restored. Are members aware of the need for decorum and dignity? Are they willing to engage in discussions about the use of unparliamentary language as a starting point for improvement?
Chapman’s observations underscore a troubling trend in political conduct in Fiji. With her extensive experience, she stresses the importance of upholding Parliament as a platform for serious debate and public service rather than a stage for personal insults and drama.
As she poignantly said, “Somebody has to put their foot down unless you want this to be a real Banana Parliament.”