Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has paid tribute to the late Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh, describing him as a “true and faithful servant” whose time in Parliament was cut short.
Speaking in Parliament, Mr Jitoko reflected on Mr Singh’s two periods of parliamentary service. Mr Singh was elected in 2006 as a Fiji Labour Party candidate for the Macuata East Open Constituency, serving until Parliament was dissolved following the December 2006 coup.
He returned to Parliament following the 2022 General Election under the National Federation Party and was appointed Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations on December 24, 2022.
“Another of these true and faithful servants has left the chambers of Parliament,” Mr Jitoko said.
“Much had been accomplished in his service to our people during the short duration of his term in Parliament.”
The Speaker said much more had been expected from Mr Singh because of the abilities he brought to public service.
“But much more was expected or hoped from him, only because we knew that he possessed the talent and the capacity of doing so,” he said.
Mr Jitoko drew on the Bible, quoting Luke 12:48 as he reflected on the responsibilities entrusted to public figures.
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked,” he said.
The Speaker also reflected on observing Mr Singh and other MPs from the Speaker’s chair, saying little that happened inside the chamber escaped his attention.
“Through the few short years I have served and sat in this chair, there is hardly anything that escapes my attention,” Mr Jitoko said.
Mr Singh died in Brisbane on September 12. His official funeral was held in Fiji on September 20, attended by government leaders, parliamentarians, diplomats, union representatives, teachers and members of the public.
