‘Spy bill’ passing makes NC a ‘mockery’

THE DTA yesterday came out guns blazing in condemnation of the passing of the Communications Bill by the National Council.

The party said the passing of the bill despite reservations by stakeholders and the public was a clear sign of the old saying that power corrupts and that absolute power corrupts absolutely.It said the fact of the matter is that the National Council found it necessary to refer the bill to a standing committee for public hearings because of widespread public concern about the bill during its discussion in the National Assembly. The party stated that it was under the impression that the intention of conducting public hearings was a genuine effort to try and address the many concerns raised by the public and to amend the bill to address these concerns.The party accused the members of the National Council of being instructed by the Minister, with the backing of Cabinet, to forget about their noble ideas of listening to the public and to pass the bill without any amendments. ‘So much for the ruling party’s notions of a ‘consultative democracy’,’ said the DTA statement.DTA said the fact that Government had persistently refused to include a clause stating that interceptions would not be carried out without a proper court order, was a clear indication that they actually did want to intercept communication without a court order.’The fact that 26 independently elected Members of the National Council could be instructed to do what the Minister wants makes a mockery of the House of Review.’It said nobody would take the National Council seriously in the future, especially when it conducts public hearings again. ‘Why would anybody spend time and effort to attend these public hearings if the National Council can simply be instructed by the Minister?’The DTA questioned the existence of the National Council, asking why the taxpayer must pay for a House of Review that crumbled at the first sign of resistance from a Minister.’If the people of our country can learn anything from what happened regarding the Spy Bill it is that the current Swapo Government has become too powerful, it is no longer interested in the people and believes that Cabinet has all the wisdom.’The people were expected to pay taxes and for the rest ‘they must shut up like small children in the presence of adults’, the party claimed.The statement said the only option remaining for ordinary citizens was to rectify this situation at the polls on November 27 and 28.The DTA urged people to vote ‘so that the citizens can take back their government from the fat cats’. ‘Only then will we be able to get rid of corruption and double standards and reintroduce participatory democracy, nation building and prosperity for all, and not only for a few well-connected members of the ruling elite.’