MPs complain about IPU Conference snub

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Thursday February 25, 2010 00:00

No local MP was invited to the conference and the MPs said that the gesture was a sign of disrespect for Parliament. Some even suggested that an inquest be conducted to find out why the conference had to be delayed to exclude Botswana MPs. They were commenting on the P65million budget allocation for Parliament for the 2010-11 financial year. President Ian Khama officially opened the conference whose theme was political tolerance.

Several MPs called on cabinet members to be tolerant saying there is a developing trend where criticism from fellow MPs, is taken personally by ministers. Lobatse MP Nehemiah Modubule said that political parties should respect the Constitution of Botswana, which guarantees MPs immunity from prosecution for the things they say in Parliament. He said there is a worrying trend where political parties persecute MPs for speaking their views in Parliament.

Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) Chairman Daniel Kwelagobe also called for political tolerance, which he said seems to be dying at high speed. He said that MPs have a mandate and right to scrutinize cabinet decisions without fear of victimization. He also said government should give same resources to constituency offices as it gives to ministers.

Modubule complained about Chobe Design Furniture that is supplied to parliamentarians saying it is defective and of low quality. He said that parliament officers are unable to return the furniture to the supplier and said he suspects there is someone powerful who has shares in the company. The MP for Mahalapye East, Botlhogile Tshireletso supported Modubule saying the furniture is not user friendly. She also said that security should be beefed up at the Parliamentary flats, after an intruder broke into her house two weeks ago.

Outspoken MP for Francistown West Tshelang Masisi said that the furniture should be returned because it is lying idle in their rooms. He also called for political tolerance.

Meanwhile, MP for Gaborone West South, Botsalo Ntuane said MPs should make an input in the budget so that they can make projections for their constituencies. He said that he was aware of the reports that developments were only earmarked for constituencies held by ministers while disadvantaging those held by outspoken MPs.

Lentsweletau MP, Moeng Pheto said that the Botswana Parliament delegation attending the Southern Africa Parliamentary Forum (SADC-PF) should bring a full report about harassment of Batswana working for the organisation.

He also said there are reports of corruption that should be investigated.