Moswaane throws Parly into confusion
Innocent Selatlhwa | Tuesday February 9, 2016 13:05
This provoked many in Parliament, as some members complained that Moswaane was not taking Parliament business seriously as he was filing motions but not prepared to debate them.
“We take time to plan for these motions. It is embarrassing that a member can come and say a later date on three motions.
We still have two hours, but we have to adjourn already. What will Batswana say of this? It’s like we are just here to play,” Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) Gabane-Mmankgodi MP, Pius Mokgware bemoaned.
Mochudi West MP, Gilbert Mangole of the UDC requested that Moswaane advance his reasons for postponing, but the Speaker of the National Assembly, Gladys Kokorwe would not allow this.
Tati West MP, Biggie Butale of the BDP asked that Parliament adjourn for a short while and make way for others with motions.
“We cannot proceed in this manner. Some of our motions have been waiting for long and the honourable member who also has many motions can’t keep tabling motions when he is not ready. Let’s allow those who are ready to present theirs,” he said.
The Speaker would however have none of this.
“This is not a club, we cannot just come and do things as we wish, as there is procedure,” Kokorwe said.
However, Kokorwe also expressed displeasure at the habit.
“This is the same issue we talked about at the General Assembly. It is unbecoming. I hope this does not repeat,” she said.
Kokorwe pushed to adjourn business of the day as MPs from both camps murmured, expressing unhappiness at Moswaane’s conduct. Contacted for comment after the adjournment, Moswaane who made headlines over tabling of motions in the last session, said he was not well hence the postponement.
“I am not feeling well, but I came prepared to debate the motions.
Unfortunately I could not do it in this state,” he said, adding that he saw no need to tell Parliament he could not do it because he was not feeling well.