Gov’t supports review of banned parliamentary words, with some considered outdated

As the country prepares for the intense parliamentary debates surrounding the 2025 National Budget, Government Chief Whip Gail Teixeira has called for a review of the list of banned words in Parliament.

Teixeira pointed out that many of these prohibitions were inherited from the British House of Commons when the country gained independence and are now seen as archaic, especially by younger generations.

“Many of those words are out of date,” Teixeira explained.

“Some of us, especially the younger generation, have even forgotten what they mean.”

Her comments come amid a public debate sparked by Opposition MP Amanza Walton Desir, who raised concerns over the ban on the term “corruption,” arguing that it stifles free speech and prevents MPs from addressing important issues.

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir on Friday reaffirmed the strict enforcement of banned words, warning MPs that violations would be dealt with firmly.

Teixeira’s stressed that the ban on terms like “corrupt” and “corruption” prevents meaningful discussions, particularly when addressing anti-corruption efforts.

Teixeira shared her personal frustrations, recalling how, during her tenure, she was frequently told she was “out of order” when attempting to speak on anti-corruption measures in her ministry.

“How do we address corruption if we can’t even say the word?” she asked.

Teixeira’s call for a review of the parliamentary language rules mirrors the recent revision of the parliamentary dress code, which was updated in 2024 to be more inclusive.

She suggested that a similar review process should be undertaken for the language rules to ensure they reflect the evolving political and social landscape.