Ratu Naiqama reminds MPs to strive to maintain a parliament that even better represents the people

Speaker of Parliament, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu has reminded all Members of Parliament that they must strive to maintain a parliament that even better represents the people as this is how they will strengthen Fiji’s place as a modern and dynamic parliamentary democracy.

While opening the three-day MPs Induction for the newly elected and the returning members, Ratu Naiqama says as a Parliament, they must continue with the transformation works so as to ensure that the parliament remains relevant to the many challenges that the people face and the hope that they have invested in the MPs.

He further says this is an exciting period for Fiji’s democracy as the parliament is more diverse than ever before and as such offers a unique opportunity to develop and enhance Fiji’s democratic culture.

Ratu Naiqama says as elected parliamentarians, they play a very crucial role and are at the forefront of driving development efforts in Fiji and developing national policies and laws for Fiji.

He says the role of parliament is paramount and as representation of the people, it has to ensure that the Executive actions proportionately to the country’s needs.

Ratu Naiqama adds the Induction will look into key issues that are relevant to their role as Parliamentarians and these are the mechanisms and functions in parliament, the law-making process, parliamentary oversight, the parliamentary budget process, MPs as representatives of the people, the role of the media, CSO engagement and gender mainstreaming in the work of the parliament.