No to 'travelling parliament'
President Hage Geingob has rapped parliamentarians over the knuckles for the pace at which bills are passed, the quality of debate in the House, and their love for travel, especially backbenchers who have no portfolios.
In his speech during the opening of the seventh session of parliament the president reminded lawmakers that during 2018, which has been labelled the 'Year of Reckoning', their ability to govern effectively would face scrutiny.
He was in particular disappointed with the fact that only 19 out of 40 bills were tabled in the last session in 2017 and reminded MPs that he expected them to deliver or face the consequences.
“I have noticed, with concern, that members of parliament, who are responsible for their respective constituencies, have added international constituencies to their list of responsibilities as well.
“I have no problem with people travelling, as long as such travel results in tangible benefits for the people of Namibia. Parliament as we know it is described to be 'sitting' or 'in session' and not as a 'traveling' parliament,” he said.
The president instructed parliament to debate whether asset declarations by parliamentarians should be made public.
“Let us be accountable and transparent in our actions because if we cannot retain the trust of the people, then we cannot effectively govern,” he said.
He also put a stop to what he called a “silent debate” on whether all MPs should qualify for diplomatic passports by saying that it was not an entitlement, but a tool to help facilitate diplomatic work.
“Supposing a member of parliament, who is not prohibited from conducting private business, utilises a diplomatic passport on a private business trip, would that be consistent with the values espoused by the members of this august House?” he asked.
The president said he was keen to see what parliament planned to do to contain travel expenditure.
He further urged lawmakers to work towards reflecting the character of the Namibian people and to work hard to improve the lives of citizens.
“Let us demonstrate that in times of difficulty we do not eschew responsibility by turning up our noses or not turning up at all. Rather, in difficult times, we turn up our sleeves to work even harder,” he urged.
JEMIMA BEUKES
In his speech during the opening of the seventh session of parliament the president reminded lawmakers that during 2018, which has been labelled the 'Year of Reckoning', their ability to govern effectively would face scrutiny.
He was in particular disappointed with the fact that only 19 out of 40 bills were tabled in the last session in 2017 and reminded MPs that he expected them to deliver or face the consequences.
“I have noticed, with concern, that members of parliament, who are responsible for their respective constituencies, have added international constituencies to their list of responsibilities as well.
“I have no problem with people travelling, as long as such travel results in tangible benefits for the people of Namibia. Parliament as we know it is described to be 'sitting' or 'in session' and not as a 'traveling' parliament,” he said.
The president instructed parliament to debate whether asset declarations by parliamentarians should be made public.
“Let us be accountable and transparent in our actions because if we cannot retain the trust of the people, then we cannot effectively govern,” he said.
He also put a stop to what he called a “silent debate” on whether all MPs should qualify for diplomatic passports by saying that it was not an entitlement, but a tool to help facilitate diplomatic work.
“Supposing a member of parliament, who is not prohibited from conducting private business, utilises a diplomatic passport on a private business trip, would that be consistent with the values espoused by the members of this august House?” he asked.
The president said he was keen to see what parliament planned to do to contain travel expenditure.
He further urged lawmakers to work towards reflecting the character of the Namibian people and to work hard to improve the lives of citizens.
“Let us demonstrate that in times of difficulty we do not eschew responsibility by turning up our noses or not turning up at all. Rather, in difficult times, we turn up our sleeves to work even harder,” he urged.
JEMIMA BEUKES
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