Independent Member of Parliament Premilla Kumar has recently defended her decision to accept a parliamentary pay increase, despite her previous opposition to the Remuneration Bill. Kumar clarified that once a decision is formally adopted in Parliament, it impacts all members equally, citing the introduction of the constituency allowance for FijiFirst MPs as an example. She noted that when this allowance was first proposed, certain members attempted to refuse it but learned they had no option to do so.
Kumar’s comments were made during a vigorous debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill 2025, which ultimately failed in Parliament with a vote of 40 in favor, 14 against, and one abstention. This bill needed the backing of three-quarters of both Parliament and registered voters in a referendum to succeed.
Significantly, two opposition MPs, Shalen Kumar and Sachida Nand, broke party ranks to support the bill, contrasting earlier procedural votes where four opposition members, including Sanjay Kirpal, sided with the government. In response to the bill’s defeat, Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka labeled it a lost chance for reform, criticizing the opposition for undermining democratic processes while rejecting collaborative efforts. Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica also weighed in, promising to challenge the bill’s defeat in the Supreme Court, emphasizing the government’s commitment to clarifying the amendment process amidst this setback.
This discussion on constitutional reform is critical as a similar prior effort faced conflicts within Parliament, highlighting a pressing need for dialogue and cooperation among parties. The renewed focus on transparency and public engagement could signal a shift towards a more inclusive governance structure in Fiji, reflecting the diverse voices and aspirations of its citizens. As Fiji progresses through this political landscape, the hope remains for future reforms that strengthen democracy and unity within the nation.
Leave a comment