We are being spied on, MPs cry

MINISTER without Portfolio Ngarikutuke Tjiriange yesterday appeared unhappy with the press watching parliamentarians’ “every move” in the National Assembly, saying he felt like he was under a microscope.

During question time, when the opposition usually poses questions to ministers, Tjiriange got to his feet to ask the House whether it was appropriate for journalists to “monitor” them. He referred to an article in yesterday’s The Namibian, which described him as making frantic notes during a debate on corruption the day before.Tjiriange was supported by Swapo backbencher Loide Kasingo, who mumbled that she felt “spied” upon by the journalists in the House.The Deputy Speaker, Doreen Sioka, asked Tjiriange to whom he was posing the question or whether he wanted the matter to be debated.But Tjiriange merely said that he was asking the question for “clarity” and for “guidance”.”Is it allowed for us to be monitored like [we are] under a microscope in this House?” he asked.But without getting an answer to his questions, he was ruled out of order by the Deputy Speaker.He referred to an article in yesterday’s The Namibian, which described him as making frantic notes during a debate on corruption the day before.Tjiriange was supported by Swapo backbencher Loide Kasingo, who mumbled that she felt “spied” upon by the journalists in the House.The Deputy Speaker, Doreen Sioka, asked Tjiriange to whom he was posing the question or whether he wanted the matter to be debated.But Tjiriange merely said that he was asking the question for “clarity” and for “guidance”.”Is it allowed for us to be monitored like [we are] under a microscope in this House?” he asked.But without getting an answer to his questions, he was ruled out of order by the Deputy Speaker.

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