Independent Member of Parliament Sanjay Kirpal addressed parliament this morning, expressing his dismay at being labeled as a “Snake” and being told he is unwelcome in the Opposition Chamber. This remark followed his support, alongside fellow MPs Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, and Rinesh Sharma, for a motion to suspend standing orders to table a bill amending the 2013 Constitution.
Kirpal criticized a fellow opposition MP for using derogatory language, highlighting the importance of understanding the distinction between voting to suspend standing orders and supporting the actual bill. He recalled that there have been instances where even former Attorney Generals voted for similar suspensions without objection. “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 lamented.
He also mentioned that MP Semi Koroilavesau told him he has no place in the Chamber, prompting Kirpal to announce his intention to lodge a formal complaint regarding the incident, alleging a breach of parliamentary practices. The Speaker, Filimone Jitiko, responded by stating he would wait for the written complaint before making a ruling.
This situation reflects broader concerns about the decorum and functioning of Fiji’s Parliament, which has been criticized recently for its hostile environment. The comments made by Kirpal echo those of former Parliament Secretary-General Mary Chapman, who recently called Parliament a “Banana Parliament” due to rising levels of disrespectful discourse among members. She highlighted the significant decline in parliamentary decorum, suggesting that aggressive exchanges among MPs have become far too commonplace.
Overall, this incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing Fiji’s parliamentary system, particularly the need for respectful dialogue and a clear understanding of parliamentary procedures. As Kirpal prepares to formally address these issues, it may open the door for discussions on restoring civility and respect within the legislative process, fostering a more constructive political environment.
Leave a comment