Be legislators, MPs reminded

ABAU MP Sir Puka Temu has advised MPs to conduct themselves as legislators and policy-makers rather than project managers.
“We have forgotten our roles as legislators and taken over the roles of project managers to develop our districts after being elected to Parliament,” he said.
“We argue with the Finance, Planning, Treasury ministers (when) and other districts get development funding and (not) ours.
“Most times we are becoming project managers instead of being legislators and policy-makers.”
Sir Puka again raised the concern MPs over the years had been harping about on the release of development funds to the districts.
He also said the Office of the Speaker must be well-funded and the speaker should confirm the parliamentary committees.
He also described the country as “an adult with 48 years of experience, knowledge and strength”, and that the executive government must support the law reform commission and parliamentary committees.
Sir Puka said the Government must list outdated laws and decide which should be removed.
“It is time for us to review and to change (them to be suitable) for the next 50 years,” he said.
“This house will do it so the discussion on the debate.
“The discussion today should be more on the role of this house.
“In the previous debates, it is about this and that project, (but) I think we have to change this as the legislators and policy-makers.”