Madam, you are out of order

Youthful PDM parliamentarian Vipuakuje Muharukua ruffled feathers in the National Assembly last week, locking horns with deputy speaker Loide Kasingo and attorney-general Albert Kawana in the process. In a true combative style, Muharukua took on the deputy speaker who seemingly demonstrated a biased attitude against the opposition while presiding over the session. During a debate which was led by Muharukua, Kasingo repeatedly pointed her gavel towards the MP, while reprimanding the young man to behave. The parliament session had descended into chaos after land reform minister Utoni Nujoma reportedly referred to opposition MPs as “puppets”. This is after the ruling party blocked the opposition from discussing an issue of corruption in the National Assembly. Kasingo abruptly adjourned the house when things got heated, much to the dismay of opposition politicians who had wanted the issue at hand to be addressed. It is of course the norm for lawmakers - as elected representatives - to raise sensible issues and at times MPs are likely to contravene parliamentary procedures. Here, the role of the presiding officer is essential, in order conduct the business of parliament in the interest of all Namibians, including interpreting the procedural rules to ensure that all matters are conducted as per parliamentary procedure. However, Kasingo made a mockery of her role as the presiding officer and that should not be left unchallenged. It is also uncalled that presiding officers prevent opposition members from raising important issues on the floor. Equally, it is unproductive when parliamentary sessions are adjourned merely because there is a misunderstanding among some MPs or when sloganeering is the order of the day. The National Assembly is not a personal fiefdom of Swapo MPs, who think they can do as they wish, while avoiding debate and accountability. There is surely no place for arrogant and self-serving individuals, who have become increasingly isolated from those who pay their salaries and even vote for them.

Swapo MPs, like all others in parliament, are public representatives and are therefore serving at the behest of the public. Arrogance and the stifling of debate can only be in the interest of themselves and not the voters.

Namibia deserves better!