FOUR Opposition MPs who’ve aligned themselves with the Government’s designs on the Constitution have just one agenda item on the document — letting the people decide what they want.

In a bold move earlier this week, Shalen Kumar, Sachida Nand, Rinesh Sharma and Sanjay Kirpal voted with the Government to lend their support on the floor of Parliament to amend the 2013 Constitution.

MP Shalen Kumar expressed his support for the Bill, tabled on Wednesday, in its first reading to allow for a process in which the people could make submissions and express their views on the amendments proposed by the Bill.

“The public consultations will take place after the Bill is passed at second reading,” Mr Kumar said. “Let’s take this to the people and they decide the things they want to be part of the Constitution.

“I am an independent MP and I decide how I vote based on the aspirations of the people that I represent in Parliament.”

Mr Kumar said proposals for amendments to a constitution were not unique to the country’s political landscape.

“Previous constitutions have gone through amendments and 2013 is not an exception.

“Certain provisions should change, not all. The basic fundamentals of the Constitution shall remain.”

Fellow Opposition MP Sachida Nand expressed similar sentiments that the voice of the people must be heard.

“Basically, this constitution, from the outset, looks like it’s inscribed in stone,” he said. “And that’s why we have an obligation to our voters that we need to ensure their voices are heard.

“And the constitution is the only place where their rights can be preserved, and it should be amended.”

Mr Nand said countries like the US and India had amended their constitutions over time, and that there was nothing wrong about it, “provided it serves for the betterment of the people”.

He said the “greater good needs to be looked at” in the constitution.

“And that’s why we voted for the suspension of this standing order,” Mr Nand said.

“It’s just the start of the process. The process hasn’t finished. It’s got to be an inclusive one.”

MP Rinesh Sharma also agreed that at least “5 to 10 per cent” of the 2013 document ought to be amended.

“Example, whichever government comes into power, this constitution gives them tremendous powers.

“Look at what happened with some of our institutions. And I’m just going to bluntly say this — look at FICAC.

“You know, how political witch hunting and all these things have happened in the past.

“Also, the Attorney-General’s position, whoever comes in as A-G has tremendous powers.

“There needs to be a separation of power in a democracy.”

Mr Sharma said as an independent MP, he had choices to make and weigh his options.

“I’m allowing the Government to bring it (amendment) to Parliament. Let’s discuss and debate, and if it’s not aligned with the foundations, I will vote against it.

“We are all independent members. We have the right to make our own decisions.”

MP Sanjay Kirpal said he supported the Standing Order so that the Bill for the amendment of the Constitution could be tabled in the Parliament next week.

“It was not voting of the constitution, but it was the voting for the suspension of the standing order.

“It’s necessary to get the people’s views on the constitution,” Mr Kirpal said.

“They should know what’s there for them.

“It should be a people’s constitution.

“We will see what is in the Bill and then we can say yes or no.”