The government’s motion to adopt the Parliamentary Standing Orders was passed in parliament today with 26 MPs supporting the motion and 21 MPs voting against it.
4 MPs did not vote on the motion.
The Leader of Opposition Sitiveni Rabuka led the opposition’s charge in opposing the adoption of the Parliamentary Standing Orders as it stands, after it was moved by Minister for Defence and National Security, Inia Seruiratu.
The Standing Orders lays out the rules for the order and conduct of business and proceedings of parliament.
Seruiratu said that the adoption of the Standing Orders is procedural in nature.
Opposition Leader Sitiveni Rabuka says they cannot adopt the Standing Orders as they do not agree with the current rules.
Rabuka also says that they oppose the removal of the responsibility of the opposition to provide the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee. He says that is a very essential element of the checks and balances in civilised democracies and parliaments.
SODELPA MP Niko Nawaikula says they do not want a Mickey Mouse House.
Minister for Infrastructure Jone Usamate says the opposition is misleading the people as they did during the election campaign period.
SODELPA MP Viliame Gavoka says he wants to remind the government that the majority that they enjoy today is 147 votes.
Minister for Women Mereseini Vuniwaqa says the Standing Orders are clear and she also highlighted how the changes can be made.
Meanwhile Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said that for the efficiency of parliament, they need to ensure that they proceed with this week’s parliamentary sitting and recommendations can go to the parliamentary committee if the opposition wants the changes.
The Standing Orders has been adopted after 26 parliamentarians voted for the motion.
