Maseru, May 15 — The Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Tlohang Sekhamane will finally take action against absenteeism and late arrival of some Members of Parliament (MP) during the sitting of the House.
He made the ruling in the National Assembly on Friday after Maletsunyane Member of Parliament, Mr. Keiso Pelane stood on point of order expressing dissatisfaction over absenteeism and late arrival of some MPs in the House and Parliamentary Committees.
Mr. Sekhamane said he has been pleading with MPs for the past three years to be present and arrive on time in the House, thus leaving him no choice but to exercise his powers through temporary and urgent standing orders.
Likotsi Member of Parliament Ms. Itumeleng Rants’o supported the Speaker’s decision, urging him to also address the issue of MPs who are always absent but selected to participate on international parliamentary committees and even fail to report back.
Another Member of Parliament Advocate Lekhetho Rakuoane encouraged the Speaker to exercise his powers since there is a standing order that permits him to establish temporary and urgent standing orders whenever there is need as he has been reprimanding MPs for absenteeism for quite a long time.
Meanwhile the debate on the motion which urged all MPs, civil servants and citizens at large to embrace and wear the national colours every Thursday was not completed due to limited time.
The motion was moved by Matala MP Dr. Ts’eliso Moroke who said the above would signify recognition of the importance of fostering national pride, unity and patriotism among citizens and to national identity and social cohesion.
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