Speaker warns MPs over absenteeism

Speaker of Parliament Filimone Jitoko has issued a stern warning to Members of Parliament over repeated absences and poor attendance during parliamentary sittings, saying such behaviour undermines the dignity and effectiveness of the House.

Addressing parliamentarians during the opening of the May sitting yesterday, Mr Jitoko raised concerns about MPs arriving late, leaving early and failing to return after suspension breaks.

“Honourable Members, there is a matter of concern regarding the absence of certain members of Parliament during Parliamentary sittings,” he said.

Mr Jitoko said while some MPs informed the Secretariat about delayed arrivals, many were entering the chamber much later than advised and remaining only briefly before leaving again.

“While some Honourable Members notify the Secretariat of late arrivals, it has been observed that they often enter the Chambers much later than indicated, remain only briefly and thereafter are absent themselves for the remainder of the sitting,” he said.

The Speaker also highlighted cases where MPs attended only morning proceedings before failing to return after breaks without proper justification.

“In addition, there are sittings where some Honourable Members attend only the morning session and do not return following the suspension break without sufficient justification.”

Mr Jitoko warned that such attendance patterns weakened parliamentary proceedings and reflected poorly on the institution.

“Honourable Members, I advise that such attendance patterns diminish the effectiveness of Parliamentary proceedings and undermine the dignity and orderly conduct of the House.”

He reminded MPs that they remained accountable to the people of Fiji.

“At the end of the day, you as Parliamentarians and representatives of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji are responsible and answerable to the people of the country.”