Muharukua questions politicians’ integrity
MATHIAS HAUFIKU
WINDHOEK
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) chief whip in parliament Vipuakuje Muharukua says the level of integrity depicted by public office-bearers cannot be measured on the standard of proof of criminal liability when they face allegations of corruption.
The youthful lawmaker was reacting to the ruling party’s decision not to take action against two of its leaders who are currently trail-awaiting prisoners in the Fishrot case.
Swapo has not removed central committee members Sacky Shanghala and Bernhardt Esau from their positions, citing the ongoing court case. The party said it will act only when the court pronounces itself.
Speaking during Namibian Sun’s Evening Review programme on Tuesday, Muharukua said talks of transparency and corruption in the country must shift from mere rhetoric to tangible action.
“It is a privilege to serve in public office; hence if I am in a cabinet or body where members stole money, I will resign in protest if those members are not removed.
“As a president or organisation that is alleged to have benefitted in your internal party processes through the looting of state money, you must resign because the standard of proof in public office cannot be dependent on innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
Bigger than technicalities
“The integrity we ought to uphold is far bigger than the technicalities that could hinder this Fishrot case,” Muharukua said, before taking a swipe at the parliamentary leadership.
“Parliament and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are a toothless when it comes to acting against the executive. As lawmakers, we point out things and make recommendations based on our findings, but it is never executed by the relevant government offices, ministries and agencies,” he said.
He also accused the speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, of protecting Swapo lawmakers during debates.
“When you ask a minister to account, he or she is always protected by the speaker. The speaker is making parliament a miniature of what it could be. Swapo must thank Covid-19 because it saved them,” he said.
Stifled youth
Muharukua also touched on his experience as the youngest parliamentarian between 2015 and 2019, adding that some parties stifle the youth in their structures.
“The biggest challenge for youth is political parties since they have dynamics peculiar to that party. Some young members of parliament are stopped from expressing themselves in parliament and there is a lack of senior positions for the youth in parties,” he said.
He further said lawmakers do not read and research enough to understand issues affecting the citizenry.
“When reports are tabled, they must be scrutinised thoroughly and debates should emanate from that. Some lawmakers do not take their jobs seriously.”
Muharukua said he is not impressed with the workings of the ACC, accusing the anti-graft body of sitting on cases.
“ACC has been sitting on this [Fishrot] case for ages. Corruption in Namibia is systemic and the ACC is part of those covering up corruption,” he said.
WINDHOEK
Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) chief whip in parliament Vipuakuje Muharukua says the level of integrity depicted by public office-bearers cannot be measured on the standard of proof of criminal liability when they face allegations of corruption.
The youthful lawmaker was reacting to the ruling party’s decision not to take action against two of its leaders who are currently trail-awaiting prisoners in the Fishrot case.
Swapo has not removed central committee members Sacky Shanghala and Bernhardt Esau from their positions, citing the ongoing court case. The party said it will act only when the court pronounces itself.
Speaking during Namibian Sun’s Evening Review programme on Tuesday, Muharukua said talks of transparency and corruption in the country must shift from mere rhetoric to tangible action.
“It is a privilege to serve in public office; hence if I am in a cabinet or body where members stole money, I will resign in protest if those members are not removed.
“As a president or organisation that is alleged to have benefitted in your internal party processes through the looting of state money, you must resign because the standard of proof in public office cannot be dependent on innocent until proven guilty,” he said.
Bigger than technicalities
“The integrity we ought to uphold is far bigger than the technicalities that could hinder this Fishrot case,” Muharukua said, before taking a swipe at the parliamentary leadership.
“Parliament and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) are a toothless when it comes to acting against the executive. As lawmakers, we point out things and make recommendations based on our findings, but it is never executed by the relevant government offices, ministries and agencies,” he said.
He also accused the speaker of the National Assembly, Peter Katjavivi, of protecting Swapo lawmakers during debates.
“When you ask a minister to account, he or she is always protected by the speaker. The speaker is making parliament a miniature of what it could be. Swapo must thank Covid-19 because it saved them,” he said.
Stifled youth
Muharukua also touched on his experience as the youngest parliamentarian between 2015 and 2019, adding that some parties stifle the youth in their structures.
“The biggest challenge for youth is political parties since they have dynamics peculiar to that party. Some young members of parliament are stopped from expressing themselves in parliament and there is a lack of senior positions for the youth in parties,” he said.
He further said lawmakers do not read and research enough to understand issues affecting the citizenry.
“When reports are tabled, they must be scrutinised thoroughly and debates should emanate from that. Some lawmakers do not take their jobs seriously.”
Muharukua said he is not impressed with the workings of the ACC, accusing the anti-graft body of sitting on cases.
“ACC has been sitting on this [Fishrot] case for ages. Corruption in Namibia is systemic and the ACC is part of those covering up corruption,” he said.
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