Opposition challenges move to waive orders
OPPOSITION parliamentarians raised serious concerns about Government’s intention to fast track the COVID-19 response budget by suspending Standing Orders.
Leader of Government in Parliament Inia Seruiratu said it was important for Fiji to take urgent and decisive action.
He said Standing Orders that needed to be suspended included 68.1 which was about the time limitation for all speakers with a request for the Attorney-General speak beyond the 20 minutes allocated time.
Mr Seruiratu said Standing Orders 102 to 108 involved procedures for supplementary estimates, committee of supply and included the amendments.
He said he hoped there would be debates, but without motions, to allow Government to expedite the processes.
Mr Seruiratu said Standing Order 23.1 which was about the sitting days which was primarily when parliamentary business on Fridays was focused on the Opposition so Parliament could focus on the supplementary response budget rather than procedures laid out in Standing Order 34.
National Federation Party leader Prof Biman Prasad said he had written to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama with the intention of discussing the supplementary Bill before coming to Parliament.
“We know we need to do this quickly but we also need to ensure there is accountability,” he said.
“The role of the Opposition is to hold the Government to account.
“And that is why we wanted this discussion before we come here can expedite the approval of the package or the response or the supplementary budget that we are going to have presented today in this Parliament.”
Social Democratic Liberal Party parliamentarian Niko Nawaikula labelled the move by Government as “cynical, foolish and cunning”.