Opposition MPs expelled, suspended; Speaker criticised (again)

Two opposition MPs were expelled from the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon, May 24. Rajesh Bhagwan, of the MMM, was “named” by Speaker Sooroojdev Phokeer for having stated: “Don’t bark at me.”

Rajesh Bhagwan has been suspended for five sittings.

Earlier, Labour MP Shakeel Mohamed was told to go “out” after he uttered the word “shame” towards Health Minister Kailesh Jagutpal, while the latter was speaking on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2021/2022. According to Sooroojdev Phokeer, the word was “unparliamentarian”.

Opposition MPs were protesting after Minister Jagutpal used the word “shame” twice without being taken to task by the speaker.

Speaking after the incident, a unified opposition comprising both Labour and MMM MPs said they were “shocked” by the attitude of the Speaker. 

Sooroojdev Phokeer has been criticised on numerous occasions for allegedly acting as “goal keeper” for the government. His alleged partially is currently the subject of a complaint before the Supreme Court.

“They are ripping off this country. I have never seen parliamentary works be marred with such partiality, bad faith and arrogance,” said Bhagwan.

Labourites Arvind Boolell and Patrick Assirvaden criticised PM Pravind Jugnauth for “allowing the country to go the dogs.”