06 Aug 2015

Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Gladys Kokorwe has expressed disappointment at the conduct of members of the eleventh Parliament.

She said this after the quorum collapsed on Wednesday (August 5) afternoon, which forced Parliament to adjourn early. 

Ms Kokorwe said she has been disappointed many times by the conduct of some MPs who do not respect Parliament business.

“This is the worst Parliament ever since I was an MP for three terms,” she said.

Ms Kokorwe said according to Standing Order 17.2 after 15 minutes has expired and the Speaker is satisfied that the quorum is not present, he or she shall adjourn the assembly without question and the assembly shall then stand adjourned in accordance with standing order 25. 

She further said before MPs could leave the House, they should count members present to ensure that there were 21 MPs remaining to form the quorum.

She said she was disappointed that MPs walked out of Parliament when there was an important Bill that was presented by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Mr Kenneth Matambo.

The quorum collapsed when minister Matambo was on the floor moving an urgent motion for the presentation of the Income Tax (Amendment) Bill, 2015 (No. 13 of 2015).

“This Bill is very important and urgent. MPs have been briefed about all these Bills at the General assembly.  I am surprised at their conduct,” she said. 

She also expressed disappointment that some MPs were also failing to attend the general assembly where most of the Parliament business was discussed.

Ms Kokorwe further said other MPs have a tendency of absenting themselves without any apologies, while some mark themselves present and leave the House within a short time.“Ke matlhabisa ditlhong ka jaana ba ja madi a puso a basa a berekeleng,” business in the order paper of the day. Ends