Speaker of Parliament, Theo Zurenoc, has rebutted claims from the Opposition and other government officials regarding his position being compromised.
Mr. Zurenoc stressed that he acted diligently and within his guidelines of responsibilities as Speaker of Parliament.
His remarks come after criticism from Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil in relation to the recent decision by government to adjourn the next parliament session to August 26th.
On Tuesday the 24th of June 2014, parliament convened after no more than half an hour.
Government sought an adjournment of parliament to August 26th, which had the consent of the speaker, Theo Zurenoc. The reason for the adjournment was the staging of the Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival.
The adjournment was immediately opposed by Opposition, but they lacked the numbers to overturn the decision.
Sumkar MP Ken Fairweather said parliament must be respected for what it was designed for: a chance for members to air their concerns and debate issues on the floor.
Additionally, Deputy Opposition Leader Sam Basil said the speaker’s consent puts him in an awkward position.
The speaker, in an exclusive interview with EMTV, refuted the accusations, saying he acted within the boundaries of his position as speaker of parliament.
He further stated that his consent of the August 26th adjournment was in line with ‘rule of majority’ and government had the numerical strength to make that decision.
Meanwhile, the reason of the adjournment was said to be the Melanesian Arts and Cultural Festival, which will begin tomorrow, concluding on the 11th of July, 2014.
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