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The Opposition in Vanuatu has been blamed for the delay in the operations and functioning of the parliamentary committees approved by parliament recently.
The blame was levelled at Opposition Leader, Ishmael Kalsakau by the chairman of the Political Reform Program and Minister for Lands, Ralph Regenvanu.
In the recent parliament session, a total of eight motions were passed by parliament to establish eight parliamentary committees including the Political Reform Program Committee and the President’s advisory Committee.
The political reform program is aimed at discussing political reform options and consult with the community about necessary changes to the constitution and key legislations to guarantee Vanuatu’s political stability.
The changes are high on the government’s priority agenda. Suggestions had been gathered and considered at Pele Island by coalition parties in camp prior to the formation of the new government.
Mr Regenvanu was quoted by Government’s public relations officer Hilaire Bule as saying he was worried that the Leader of Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau had delayed the work of these committees by not nominating opposition members for the respective parliamentary committees.
He said Mr Kalsakau had been very vocal in parliament therefore he should respect the decisions made by parliament by ensuring the functions of the committees are carried out.
Mr Bule said the Office of the Speaker is also aware that Mr Kalsakau has failed to respond to two letters sent by the Speaker, Esmon Saimon with regard to Opposition’s role inside parliament. The second letter was dispatched on Wednesday, April 6 2016.
Mr Regenvanu was quoted as slamming the Leader of Opposition for a lack of consideration when he claimed government had delayed Vanuatu’s assistance to Fiji after the aftermath of Cyclone Winston when in fact government had responded only two days after cyclone struck.
But, he added, now it is almost a month after the parliament session and opposition had not been fulfilling its responsibilities.
Mr Regenvanu said such delays are of concern to the government side.
