Making false statements in Parliament is inexcusable and disgraceful

What sort of example is Parliament setting if it cannot hold to account MPs who deliberately lie and mislead the nation for cheap political gains.

On pages 2 & 3 in the Fiji Sun today, some MPs have been caught out making false statements and misleading the nation.

This is inexcusable and disgraceful conduct unbecoming of Members of Parliament.

While MPs enjoy parliamentary privilege, it does not mean that it gives them an open licence to lie and vilify innocent people and organisations. To adopt this attitude is irresponsible because it is divisive and can cause unnecessary pain, suffering and emotional trauma.

The MPs who fall into this trap for the sake of sensationalising issues to gain political mileage are not listening and taking seriously advice and reminders about the importance of their roles.

They are very quick to point fingers at others and in the process make outrageous and baseless comments. It is evident that truth is missing from their brand of moral code.

Let’s have a strong debate in Parliament by all means. But do it with dignity and decorum. We do not have to copy the practices and traditions of other Parliaments where every debate is open season and no holds barred. There seems to be no standards except that everyone hides behind that privilege.

We do not need liars and conspiracy theorists in Parliament. What we need are MPs who speak with power and authority because they tell the truth and can get people’s attention and interest with facts and figures. Fijians can rely on them to make intelligent and educated choices in life.

When MPs spew out lies people tend to believe them - not because they are gullible, but because of the perception that MPs know what is going on. On some, if not on many occasions, statements are based on hearsay and innuendos with no obvious attempt to verify their authenticity.

All MPs have a moral duty to impart correct information to the people. Using parliamentary privilege is no defence and does not absolve them from blame over damage caused by their reckless conduct. It gives them freedom to express themselves but in a responsible way. The very least offenders can do is retract those rogue statements and apologise publicly. They must be held accountable.

Perhaps, it’s time that Parliament looks at incorporating some of mechanism within the framework of the Standing Orders so that the Privileges Committee can deal with this sort of unacceptable behaviour.

What sort of example is Parliament setting if it cannot hold to account MPs who deliberately lie and mislead the nation for cheap political gains.

It needs to send out a strong message that this negative behaviour is not condoned.