Parliament’s sensitivity to the recommended upward improvement of emoluments surfaced again with Speaker of the National Assembly reprimanding Radio Phoenix for misrepresenting parliamentary proceedings.
On July, 14, 2015 the parliamentary committee on reforms and modernization presented a report that recommended wholesale improvement in the welfare of parliamentarians which was unanimously reported but once publicly reported unsettled parliamentarians who showed a rare moment of unity.
Radio Phoenix like many other media houses ran the story but drew the wrath of parliament with Kalomo Central Member of Parliament rising on a point of order after Radio Phoenix had covered the story on July, 23rd.
In his ruling the Speaker of the National Assembly while not denying that the report for the improvement of the welfare of MPs was unanimously adopted ruled the Radio Phoenix had breached parliamentary procedure.
Traditionally on increment of salaries, parliamentarians hide under the banner that they do not debate themselves constitutionally therefore limiting public debate on the matter.
The motion was moved by Lubansenshi Independent Member of Parliament Patrick Mucheleka and was overwhelmingly backed across the floor.
Matibini said procedure of adjustment of emoluments which is confirmed by the issuance of a statutory instrument by the minister of finance and that mere adoption or resolution by the house does not translate into the adjustment.
The speaker said that in view of this, the station was found to be in breach of the Parliamentary Privileges as provided for by 25 b (National Assembly Act) Section 12 of the Laws of Zambia which outlines the offences under the Contempt of Parliament.
Debating the motion Members of Parliament requested to be given an extra car for parliamentary business, increased allowances as they said they paid for expenses like dowry for their constituents therefore needed to be given more money with others requesting for increased tea break as part of the parliamentary reforms.
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