AG: No removal of special majority

The AG said he indicated to his audience that Government will be bringing a host of legislation to Parliament, some of which is already on the Order Paper, in the coming months. He explained that this legislation will be scrutinised by Parliament as it always is and where there is the need for a special majority, it will have that endorsement.

Al-Rawi said Government seeking to bring legislation to Parliament which does not need a special majority is not the same as Government not bringing any special majority legislation at all.

“The most incredible, illogical argument is being advanced,” he observed. Al-Rawi said it is common knowledge that not every piece of legislation requires a special majority.

He said it is also common knowledge that all legislation, simple or special majority, goes through several stages of vetting in Parliament before it is eventually passed. He said for the Opposition to be making comments on this issue, demonstrates they are, “strangers to the truth of the real process of legislation.” Legislation in TT can be passed by simple, three-fifths, twothirds or three-quarter majorities depending on the nature of the legislation. Al-Rawi said the Opposition’s argument is flawed because for there to be subterfuge in any piece of legislation, they must have sight of specific legislation in question and they do not have that oversight at this time.

Stating the Opposition continues to operate in the realm of hyperbole, slash and burn and illogic, Al-Rawi described their criticisms as, “observations in a vaccum based on speculation” and an attempt to scandalise the proper procedure by which this country’s laws are fashioned.

Reiterating Government’s commitment to ensuring good law is brought to Parliament and adherence to the parliamentary process, Al-Rawi said this is in sharp contrast to the obstructionist intent which the UNC has demonstrated in several instances when it comes to passing laws in the country’s best interest.