THE controversial Political Parties Integrity Bill was finally passed, but with some tension in the chamber.
Members of the opposition group walked out during the committee stage proceeding.
Deputy Opposition Leader Mathew Wale has been very critical on all the clauses during the initial stage of the committee of the whole house.
But many of the issues raised were either ignored and or not considered by the chairman.
Mr Wale then stood up half way through the committee proceeding and pointed out that the opposition group was not fairly allowed to exercise their presence
“We would like to exhaust our presence there are some serious constitutional issues and doubts we would like to clarify.
“But we feel that is not allowed to be exhausted both by the chairman and the PM and so we feel our presence is not really that useful to the process.
“And so it’s good that the government side does it themselves and pass the Bill themselves.”
Before they could leave, the Opposition Leader added that they will not raise the issue of quorum but they will absent themselves from any further proceeding of the Bill.
They walked out of the chamber while the chairman Sir Allan Kemakeza was still trying to rationalize his stand.
“Before whatever happens, the chair does not involve in a way to cover up these issues.
“The points raised by the opposition had been covered over and over again.
“But it is their liberty to do whatever they want to do, but it will be on the record that we have the number to pass this Bill.
“The chair maintains his position for the proceeding to continue.”
The Prime Minister then stood up and lashed out furiously that those members should be disciplined.
“The government never opposes or hinders the opportunity of the Opposition to raise matters of interest in this Bill.
“There’s nothing in the standing order to boycott parliament.
“They should be disciplined.”
The chamber has no Opposition members except member for Central Honiara Moffat Fugui who remained when the committee stage was allowed to flow without critical questions as the Opposition chairs were empty.
But members from the Government remained in full force to ensure the passage of the Bill which eventually passed the committee stage and the third reading.
By EDNAL PALMER
