Parliament should consider establishing a Parliamentary Select Committee – Seruiratu

People demand actions rather than just words and therefore the Parliament should consider establishing a Parliamentary Select Committee to monitor actions taken on key issues.

Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu highlighted this in Parliament this morning while responding to President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu’s opening speech.

Seruiratu says by establishing a Select Committee to drive excellent performance, Parliament can play a bigger role in leading the conversation on efficiency and effectiveness in the process of government.

The Opposition Leader says they remain resolute in their collective determination to provide alternative views to the government and take them into account on matters of national interest.

He says they will give credit where it's due and strongly criticise when necessary.

The Opposition Leader says they have been tested greatly with the split as some Group of 9 members have joined the government and with this, the road ahead will not be easy.

Seruiratu says they plan to continue to play a constructive role in the national political arena to advance the interests of Fiji and all those who call Fiji their home, with the hope that the government will listen and implement the alternative ideas that they may propose.

He says by embracing the rule of law, inclusive policies and national unity and solidarity, Fiji will reap greater rewards through learning from past challenges that have hindered the progress and development.

Meanwhile, the Opposition Leader says one of the tasks that the Select Committee could do is to monitor the current budget utilisation.

He says when the budget is passed it becomes a law therefore the funds must be utilised, and if it doesn’t happen the Parliament must know why.

Seruiratu says they must ensure that underutilisation of the budget does not become a normal anomaly and if it is due to laxity in leadership, then action must be taken.

He says according to the late media reports state that about $266 million from the budget was not utilised.

Seruiratu reiterated the call he made on this last year requesting to ensure that accountability agencies such as the Office of the Auditor General and Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption report directly to Parliament.

He further says this must be done to ensure that the fundamental principles of accountability and transparency are fully embraced in the democratic and governance processes.

He also acknowledged the government for initiating a review of the Code of Conduct, Illicit Drugs Control Act and the Police Act which was long overdue.