MEMBERS of Parliament have backed Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko in condemning absenteeism and poor attendance by MPs, saying Parliament must remain the top priority for all elected representatives.
Reacting to Mr Jitoko’s strong criticism in Parliament on Monday, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu said the Speaker was justified in challenging political party leaders over the conduct and commitment of members.
“Parliament should be first and foremost for all parliamentarians,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“That is why they were elected to be representatives of the people. And it’s important that the voices of the people that they represent are heard in Parliament.”
Mr Jitoko had delivered a scathing assessment of MPs, warning that repeated absenteeism, chronic lateness and failure to attend parliamentary workshops were eroding the credibility of Fiji’s highest law-making institution.
Mr Seruiratu said parliamentarians were expected not only to attend sittings, but also to participate in formal workshops and training sessions organised by the Parliament to improve governance and legislative performance.
“Capacity development is always a never-ending process. Self-development is so important.
“And Parliament organise opportunities in which parliamentarians can be better informed on issues and facts, so that they can come up with better strategies and policies.”
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro also acknowledged the importance of attendance, saying MPs had consistently been advised to prioritise parliamentary sessions.
“We’ve always been attending Parliament. On certain occasions, we’ve asked for leave,” Mr Radrodro said.
“But as always, we’ve been advised that we should give the parliamentary session week a priority and have our presence,” he said.
