The Speaker of Parliament is preparing to address a point of order raised by Minister Sashi Kiran, which was triggered by comments made by Opposition MP Virendra Lal during the debate on a Constitution Amendment Bill. Kiran has accused Lal of trying to instill fear among the public by claiming that the amendment could threaten individuals’ rights to practice their faith, potentially compromising the nation’s secular framework.
Kiran has described these remarks as “unacceptable” and reinforced his stance with the backing of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. Prasad reminded the assembly that during Lal’s party’s governance in 1997, essential provisions for upholding the Bill of Rights and the secular nature of the state were removed from the Constitution. He criticized Lal’s current claims that individuals of Indian descent and followers of various faiths might encounter obstacles in their religious practices.
Speaker Filimone Jitoko plans to review the official debate transcript before delivering a ruling on the issue.
This situation highlights a critical juncture in Fiji’s political scene, especially regarding the integrity of the Constitution and the dynamics of parliamentary discussions. The stern discourse from both sides of the aisle emphasizes the urgent need for respectful and clear communication in legislative matters. Recent events have also reflected tensions where MPs have faced derogatory comments regarding their positions, signaling a call for improved decorum in parliament. Past incidents have led some former officials to liken the current political environment to a “Banana Parliament.”
Despite these ongoing challenges, there is a sense of optimism that such disputes can pave the way for meaningful dialogue. This could lead to a more respectful and productive governance environment, with an emphasis on shared understanding and the proper functioning of parliamentary processes being vital for the sustainability of democracy in Fiji.
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