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 The appearance itself seemed significant, given his previous disregard to participating in parliamentary proceedings. He made his appearance even more noteworthy by speaking against the National Assembly Salaries and Allowances Amendment Bill of 2006. Through this Bill, MPs want to hike their salaries. Wearing a black suit, white shirt of which the collar was neatly tied with a red tie, the Vice President surprised many when he rose from his comfortable looking leather swivel chair to speak. The House was lost for words. It was clear that no one expected him to contribute. When he rose, others did likewise but the Speaker of Parliament, Patrick Balopi ruled in his favour. In his introductory remarks, he pleaded with Balopi for protection from numerous interruptions. He wanted his contribution to run un-interrupted. He looked totally composed and was audible enough. He did not sound like a newcomer to parliament. The voice did not tremble. He had scribbled a few notes to guide him in his presentation. After addressing the Speaker, he turned to face his colleagues, surveying them first. He then informed parliament that he would address a number of points, some of which had already been addressed by previous MPs. His presentation came immediately after that of Thamaga MP, Gladys Kokorwe. He sought permission to address Kokorwe casually, by her first daughter's name. The permission, though sought, was never granted nor rejected. Instead of the normal "Honourable", he preferred to address her as MmaStombi. In his presentation, he told parliament about scarcity and the ever-competing needs of the budget. In a situation of budgetary constraints faced by government, he said it was important that a balance and compromise were maintained. There was then murmur from the parliamentary floor. He sensed he had chosen the right words but in the wrong place. "Compromise. When some people hear of the word compromise, they think of other things," he broke the ice, which was followed by laughter. "Comprise has for a long time been elusive to the warring factions of the ruling Botswana Democratic Party." Without saying, he deleted the use of the word; lest his call becomes elusive as well. He switched to urging MPs to exercise restraint and modesty, in view of the fact that government was required to do the best possible in an effort to assist them discharge their duties. Armed with figures, he reminded them of their hefty salaries and attendant perks. The daring Tonota South MP, Pono Moatlhodi interrupted the prevailing silence with an interjection, "ke kopa tlhaloso". Khama then looked behind him, over his shoulder, and after a second's pause, continued with his presentation. Moatlhodi repeated the call, "ke kopa tlhaloso". To both the public and press gallery a showdown had begun. The two once had a bitter clash over the same issue. The Speaker cut down the eagerness of another clash. "Honourable Member, you have the right to either yield or not," Balopi advised Khama. Unlike others, he did not sit down when the Speaker took the floor. After the advice, he could only say "thank you" and proceed with his presentation. He should, instead, have indicated whether he was yielding or not. Unfazed by the disappointment from other MPs, he continued, reminding them that Batswana had a history of exercising modesty in trying times and MPs should not depart from that beaten path. In less than 10 minutes, he had made his opinion known. He leisurely sat down. Then it was the vocal Okavango MP, Vista Moruti who took the floor. As if there had been no presentation before his, he debated for a salary hike, without making any reference to what Khama had said. He had his own story to tell. From Khama's presentation, it was clear that he had changed tact, even though he had not turned the whole corner. In the past, he had rubbed MPs the wrong way by labelling them vultures. Now his presentation was sugar coated by diplomacy. Refusing to yield to Moatlhodi only reinforced perception that he was still beholden to commanding rather than debating.
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