Amendments to parliamentary Standing Orders were passed unopposed last night after the Opposition walked out of the debate.

Parliament was debating changes which would allow any member of the House to be Chair of the Public Accounts Committee instead of an Opposition MP nominated by the Leader of Opposition.

SODELPA Leader Ro Teimumu Kepa says they walked out because the Opposition wants Professor Biman Prasad to remain in the P.A.C. despite his suspension from parliament.

Attorney General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the amendment is necessary for parliament functions to continue unimpeded.

Following the walk out by SODELPA, debate continued in the House last night and the amendment was consequently passed unopposed.

Another amendment passed last night is that Petitions must have approval from at least 40% of parliament before it’s referred to any Standing Committee.

Ro Teimumu told FBC News last night that SODELPA doesn’t have that 40% which is another reason for the walkout.