Transcript
DERRICK MANU'ARI: The only reason that was given was to take into account the recommendations made by the Bills and Legislations committee. So that the cabinet can take note of the recommendations and bring in a new bill.
KOROI HAWKINS: And what were those recommendations?
DM: Well there were a number of recommendations made by the bills and legislations committee but also included as a one of the recommendations was the position of the bills and legislation committee which made it very clear that the committee commends the bill to the house to be debated and legislated and the recommendations can be dealt with in the committee of the whole [house].
KH: Right, so it was saying that these recommendations could be taken or factored in while the bill was going through parliament it could be amended and then it could be passed. It wasn't something that needed to have the bill withdrawn?
DM: That was the reason but the position of the opposition group is that this is a politicized move. Because there are avenues that could have been used other than the withdrawal because the withdrawal is just a tactic to delay the eventual legislation to come through parliament.
KH: What I don't get is that this is a bill proposed by the prime minister, so it is a government bill, he has got the numbers an overall majority and his own bill is not making it through parliament. What does that point to?
DM: I think one of the most suspected or the most obvious reasons is that his cabinet or even caucus is divided over the bill. Because they fear it might back-fire on him. But I think that is the really bad way of looking at him. Because the bill is not only for the members of parliament, the intended bill, its for the nation it is for all leaders at all levels.
KH: Do you think you will ever see this bill again?
DM: I hope and pray that this bill will come again but I am very very doubtful, I am very very unsure. There is no guarantee, indeed and truly there is no guarantee that this bill will ever see light again or be brought again back to parliament.
