This is potentially a watershed moment in the history of this parliament. This is because this bill and the ensuing debate will indicate clearly, whether our members of parliament both individually and as caucus groups have the moral, ethical, intellectual and political architecture to shoulder the responsibility of guiding this country towards a more accountable, progressive and mature democracy. There has never been a moment in the life-story of this parliament and this country when Members have been called to take such a monumental a task as this one.
The need for a declaration of assets has never been more acute. We have been seized by a crisis in leadership.Our political leadership has shown a disorienting willingness to mix their narrow material interests and the national objective. In a somewhat cynical reaction we learned recently that President Ian Khama requires his ministers to submit to him their assets and liabilities. In that quick sweep we were further told that, this system, for all intents and purposes Khama's project to vet ministers for his own ends, should also serve as an explanation for the absence of a proper legislation in declaration of assets. Of course that is unacceptable.
