A potential protest by Opposition Members was avoided when Deputy Speaker Lenora Qereqeretabua permitted Supplementary Questions during Oral Questions Time.
Initially, a decision had been made to prohibit supplementary questions in order to accommodate a Government event later in the evening.
Jone Usamate addressed the media, emphasizing that Parliament serves as the People’s House, and it is the duty of Parliamentarians to raise issues affecting the public.
Usamate noted that the Opposition was prepared to stage a protest, but this was called off following the Deputy Speaker’s decision. He expressed concern that the Government was trying to shorten the parliamentary session to attend the evening function.
“Parliamentarians should not be subordinate to any other event. This is where the voices of the people are acknowledged and raised,” Usamate stated. He further asserted that the needs of Parliament should take priority over other engagements. “Visitors or other activities should not detract from the opportunity for Parliamentarians to address their issues,” he added.