08 Jul 2015

Leader of the National Assembly and also Vice President, Mr Mokgweetsi Masisi has appealed to MPs across the entire political divide to respect their positions, the Speaker and Parliamentary rulings.

Mr Masisi made this appeal following the disruption of the business of Parliament by Francistown South MP, Mr Wynter Mmolotsi, who continuously insisted on engaging on a matter that the deputy speaker and Gaborone South MP, Mr Kagiso Molatlhegi had made a ruling on.

“For those who might not be familiar with the culture and practice of this House, even from where we adopted it, in the event that a speaker makes a ruling that you feel strong about or you are of the view that it is completely wrong and feel gravely offended, the best thing is to restrain yourself and use the provided channels for raising an objection,” said Mr Masisi.

These channels, he said, were the party whips who have the responsibility as they sit in a committee that advises the speakership.

If this was not adequate, he said. “you raise it, as it is procedural and proper, through the General Assembly.”

Alternatively, Leader of the House said party whips could also go and see him, as the Leader of the House, and he would make it his business to speak to the speakership.

He also pleaded with the MPs to ensure that they maintain the sanctity of the House, saying he was worried that it was very rapidly degenerating.

“It is okay to jostle and wrestle with one another politically, but it is certainly not acceptable to break the rules of the House. So, I want to appeal to all, across the divide, to remain respectful and honourable, for we have earned this title for five years,” he added.

Before, Mr Mmolotsi was asked to leave the House, Mr Molatlhegi had repeatedly stressed that he would not allow any member to engage on any matter that transpired in Parliament on Monday (July 6), adding that the matter was closed, as he had rule on it, and everything that transpired then would be addressed at the General Assembly today (July 8) .

However, Mr Mmolotsi insisted on engaging on the matter, saying in the interim, while still waiting to go to the General Assembly, the Botswana Police officer who was inside the House should not be allowed inside Parliament, as they felt intimidated and traumatised by his presence.

He said they had some discomfort with the officer’s presence inside the House and requested clarity on why the officer was allowed inside Parliament, when Parliament security officers were there.

Gaborone Central MP, Dr Phenyo Butale also raised his concern about the same matter, saying “this issue has really generated a lot of interest and it was a public spectacle and we deserve a withdrawal publicly.”

However, the National Assembly deputy speaker also stopped Dr Butale from engaging in the matter, saying it was closed and would only be addressed at the General Assembly. Ends