Discussions during the three-day Members of Parliament Induction will centre around the roles of parliamentarians, including the mechanisms and functions of Parliament, says Speaker Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu.
Ratu Naiqama told the MPs yesterday that parliamentarians were required to play their role in the House “proportionately, properly and effectively”.
“As elected parliamentarians, each and every one of you play a very crucial role, and are at the forefront of driving development efforts in Fiji and developing national policies and laws of Fiji,” he said.
“In the induction for the next three days, we’ll look into key issues that are relevant to your role as parliamentarians.”
Ratu Naiqama told the MPs that as representatives of the people, they played a crucial role in the budgetary process, repealing, sanctioning and amendment of laws, and the development of national policies.
“The role of Parliament is paramount as representatives of the people.
“Fundamentally, it has to ensure that the executive actions are in proportion to the country’s needs.
“Once there’s too much of the policies that we throw in, things will never work. It can’t work. Like the saying, too many cooks spoil the soup.”
Ratu Naiqama also told the MPs that another important issue for discussion would be parliamentary oversight.
