MPs go back to school, lectured on corruption

CORRUPT officials must be publicly named and shamed, Theo-Ben Gurirab, Speaker of the National Assembly, said in his keynote address at the start of a three-day workshop yesterday for Members of Parliament.

“Culprits must face public shame, blame and pay the price for stealing people’s money. Cabinet members, Parliamentarians and civil servants, when found guilty of theft and fraud, must not try to hide behind exemptions, immunities and privileges that do not apply,” Gurirab said.”There can be no miracles for thieves and scoundrels whether in public or private life in Namibia.”The workshop started yesterday, leading MPs through such topics as understanding parliamentary infrastructure, committee structures, diplomatic and negotiating skills, and which motions MPs should use to accomplish certain objectives.When the Speaker addressed the issue of corruption, many in attendance were seen to uncomfortably glance in the direction of former Deputy Minister of Works Paulus Kapia.Kapia faces possible expulsion from the Swapo party pending an internal investigation into his involvement in a corruption scandal between the Social Security Commission (SSC) and the now-liquidated Avid Investment Corporation.”Corruption is a heinous crime and betrayal of public trust,” Gurirab said.In the same breath, Gurirab warned that the “worthy offensive” against corruption and theft should not degenerate into unwarranted name-calling and witch-hunts to settle unrelated matters of a personal nature among individuals.”Those of us at the forefront in this noble crusade must not only be completely innocent of corruption but must also be beyond suspicion in what we say or do.”Gurirab said the challenges and opportunities facing the country demanded of MPs to be able to meet their responsibilities effectively, and to be armed with knowledge and diligence.”Our words and actions must add value to political debate, lawmaking and community outreach,” Gurirab said.”Our words and actions must address the needs of the people and not begin and end with our own personal ambition and distorted patriotism.”Ben Ulenga, leader of the official opposition party the Congress of Democrats (CoD), said with thousands of years of international parliamentary practice and experience at Namibia’s disposal, it should not be necessary for the National Assembly to “re-invent the wheel” at the beginning of every new session.Cabinet members, Parliamentarians and civil servants, when found guilty of theft and fraud, must not try to hide behind exemptions, immunities and privileges that do not apply,” Gurirab said. “There can be no miracles for thieves and scoundrels whether in public or private life in Namibia.”The workshop started yesterday, leading MPs through such topics as understanding parliamentary infrastructure, committee structures, diplomatic and negotiating skills, and which motions MPs should use to accomplish certain objectives.When the Speaker addressed the issue of corruption, many in attendance were seen to uncomfortably glance in the direction of former Deputy Minister of Works Paulus Kapia.Kapia faces possible expulsion from the Swapo party pending an internal investigation into his involvement in a corruption scandal between the Social Security Commission (SSC) and the now-liquidated Avid Investment Corporation. “Corruption is a heinous crime and betrayal of public trust,” Gurirab said.In the same breath, Gurirab warned that the “worthy offensive” against corruption and theft should not degenerate into unwarranted name-calling and witch-hunts to settle unrelated matters of a personal nature among individuals.”Those of us at the forefront in this noble crusade must not only be completely innocent of corruption but must also be beyond suspicion in what we say or do.”Gurirab said the challenges and opportunities facing the country demanded of MPs to be able to meet their responsibilities effectively, and to be armed with knowledge and diligence.”Our words and actions must add value to political debate, lawmaking and community outreach,” Gurirab said.”Our words and actions must address the needs of the people and not begin and end with our own personal ambition and distorted patriotism.”Ben Ulenga, leader of the official opposition party the Congress of Democrats (CoD), said with thousands of years of international parliamentary practice and experience at Namibia’s disposal, it should not be necessary for the National Assembly to “re-invent the wheel” at the beginning of every new session.