“Can we call someone a murderer in parliament?”
Social Democratic Liberal Party parliamentarian, Niko Nawaikula had asked this question at the Induction Programme of Members of Parliament which was held at the Holiday Inn in Suva yesterday.
Nawaikula raised the issue during the question and answer session.
UNDP Parliamentary Consultant specialists responded to the question by saying that under the laws in Fiji, a murderer would not have been allowed to be a member of parliament in the first place.
The Parliamentary Consultants went on to say that making such comments in parliament would be inappropriate.
Another SODELPA parliamentarian, Anare Vadei also asked if a member of parliament can throw punches at someone who swears at him after a parliament session.
UNDP Parliamentary Consultants only said that if a parliamentarian swears at another parliamentarian, the Speaker will have to call for order and request for the comment to be withdrawn.
They also said that such actions from a parliamentarian would also result in his or her suspension.
Vadei also asked if a parliamentarian can make comments about the type of clothes another member of parliament is wearing.
The parliamentary consultants said that all parliamentarians would be required to accept the general attire code and that it may also be the responsibility of fellow parliamentarians to give them advise if they are not dressed appropriately.
