Debate on damage assessment report on Parlt causes stir

THE debate on the damage assessment report presented by deputy speaker Jeffery Komal to Parliament yesterday caused a bit of a stir.
MPs were given an opportunity to debate the subject of the rampage and attack in the House by members of the security forces in November.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology Pila Niningi accused some MPs of supporting the actions of the security forces.
He accused them of not condemning their actions.
Niningis’ comments backfired with the Opposition reacting and Nuku MP Joe Sungi interjected with a point of order.
Menyama MP Thomas Pelika kept interrupting trying to make a point. Deputy Speaker Jeffery Komal urged members not to interrupt their colleagues when they were speaking.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill called on the Speaker to look into the personal behaviour of leaders in the House and refer them to the Ombudsman Commission.
He told the younger MPs to listen and respect the mandated leaders of the Parliament.
“When we are debating, the quorum, the standing orders of the house must be respected.
“Young members have got to learn to respect others so you will be respected back.”
Gulf Governor Chris Haiveta said the Parliamentary Privileges Act should be reviewed to ensure that the incident of damaging Parliament never happened again.
“I support the report and recommendations and I want to urge Parliament to review all the appropriate legislation,” Haiveta said.