Nepal Parliament: Are the Language and Attire of MPs Becoming ‘Unparliamentary’?
Photo credit, Sobita Gautam/FB
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam emphasized at an event in Kathmandu on Tuesday that the language and attire of parliamentarians should be “respectful.”
She further noted the recent decline in the quality of parliamentary proceedings.
Omkar Prasad Shrestha, chairperson of the Former Parliamentarians’ Forum, stated that MPs must exercise self-discipline regarding both language and dress.
According to the rules applicable to MPs, their attire should reflect dignity, but there is no mandate to wear any specific outfit, a spokesperson for the Federal Parliament Secretariat explained.
There have been instances where the Speaker has requested to remove improper or unparliamentary language used by MPs from official records, highlighting the need for careful conduct at various times.
What Did the Minister Say?
Photo credit, RSS
During an address marking Nepal’s 68th Parliamentary Day, Minister Gautam discussed complaints about parliament in recent years.
“Many have been expressing how much the quality of the current parliament has declined compared to earlier ones. We should all reflect on the reasons behind this deterioration,” Minister Gautam stated.
“We must all maintain decorum in the language we use, the words we choose, and the attire we wear while attending parliamentary sessions.”
“We must uphold the dignity of parliament, and if we alone maintain that respect, the parliament will remain dignified and honorable.”
Self-Discipline Is Essential
There have been many instances where some MPs’ language in the House of Representatives has drawn objections from fellow parliamentarians.
Public discussions about the dress code of parliamentarians are also common.
Recently, on the day President Ramchandra Paudel’s government presented its policy and program, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, known as ‘Balen,’ appeared wearing black pants and a T-shirt paired with a black coat.
Some have publicly questioned why most MPs do not wear the traditional Daura Suruwal in parliament.
Chairperson Shrestha of the Former Parliamentarians’ Forum reasons that discipline is not enforced by others but must be followed voluntarily.
He especially noted that the Prime Minister has not shown seriousness regarding attire.
“Look at the Prime Minister’s language and attire. It reveals a lot. He has not been able to discipline his own MPs. At the very least, they should have worn Daura Suruwal in parliament,” said Shrestha, a three-time minister.
Emphasizing the need for respectful and parliamentary language, he added, “The people elected these individuals, so it is mandatory for them to use respectful language.”
“When MPs and ministers start saying whatever they please, others follow suit. Discipline is not something imposed by others. Recently, this quality has been lacking.”
What Do the Rules Say?
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The Federal House of Representatives Rules 2083 (Nepali calendar) contain various provisions regarding language and dress code.
Accordingly, it is prohibited to use “rude, obscene, insulting, or offensive words, speak against public decency or morality, demean any person, caste, religion, language, or gender, or use unparliamentary language.”
Based on the advice from the Rules Consultative Committee, the Speaker sets the rules for MPs’ attire in the House of Representatives.
“When specifying attire, it should be formal and reflect indigenous culture, tradition, or identity with dignity,” the regulations state.
“No particular dress is strictly mandatory, but the attire should be respectable and culturally conventional,” explained Ekram Giri, spokesperson for the Federal Parliament Secretariat.
If clarity is required on what is appropriate attire, the Speaker can decide based on recommendations from the Rules Consultative Committee.
“Previously, a gray coat was proposed. The Rules Consultative Committee still considers a respectable dress and coat necessary,” Giri added.
He also argued that elected representatives are generally expected to abide by rules they establish themselves.
“The attire should be considered dignified by society. When it is inappropriate or undignified, the Speaker may impose regulations. It always depends on the circumstances,” he added.