A potential protest by Opposition Members was avoided after Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua decided to permit Supplementary Questions during the Oral Questions Time. Initially, there had been discussions to forgo supplementary questions in order to accommodate a Government event scheduled for later in the evening.
In a media statement, Jone Usamate emphasized that Parliament serves as the People’s House. He highlighted the responsibility of Parliamentarians to address issues that impact the citizens and to raise them during sessions.
Usamate noted that while the Opposition was prepared to protest, this plan was abandoned following the Deputy Speaker’s ruling. He expressed concern that the Government aimed to shorten the day’s parliamentary session to allow attendance at an evening function.
“Parliamentarians should not be subordinate to any other events. This is where the voices of the people are heard, and it must take precedence over everything else. External visitors or activities should not restrict the opportunities for Parliamentarians to voice their concerns,” Usamate asserted.