Independent Member of Parliament Sanjay Kirpal expressed his concerns in Parliament this morning after facing derogatory remarks branding him as a “Snake” and being told he is unwelcome in the Opposition Chamber. This incident followed his support, along with fellow MPs Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Rinesh Sharma, for a motion aimed at suspending standing orders to discuss a bill that would amend the 2013 Constitution.
Kirpal took issue with the use of derogatory language by an opposition MP, emphasizing the need to understand the difference between voting to suspend standing orders and supporting the bill itself. He noted that even former Attorneys General have voted for similar suspensions without facing backlash. “It is very sad, Mr. Speaker, that honorable members of Parliament cannot differentiate between the suspension of the standing order motion and the voting of the bill,” Kirpal remarked.
The situation escalated when MP Semi Koroilavesau informed Kirpal that he had no place in the Chamber, prompting Kirpal to announce his plans to file a formal complaint over the incident, citing a breach of parliamentary practices. Speaker Filimone Jitiko indicated that he would await the written complaint before making any decisions.
This incident underscores ongoing concerns regarding the decorum in Fiji’s Parliament, which has recently been criticized for its increasingly hostile environment. Former Parliament Secretary-General Mary Chapman has previously described the institution as a “Banana Parliament,” pointing to a notable decline in respectful discourse among its members. She indicated that aggressive exchanges have become alarmingly common.
Overall, this incident sheds light on the challenges within Fiji’s parliamentary system, particularly regarding the necessity for respectful dialogue and a clear comprehension of parliamentary procedures. As Kirpal gears up to formally address these issues, it may pave the way for renewed discussions aimed at restoring civility and respect within legislative proceedings, thereby fostering a more constructive political atmosphere in the future.
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