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{
    "id": 493357,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/493357/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 58,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "“Constitutionally based separation of powers doctrine will require that provisions relating to the Executive Branch, officials appearing before parliamentary Committees as envisaged under Article 153(3) of the Constitution be implemented in a manner that will not unnecessarily upset the delicate balances between the Executive and the Legislative branches.” Hon. Members, you are all aware that the implementation of the new Constitution requires interpretation by several organs of the State. We, in the National Assembly, are alive to the provisions of Article 259(1) of the Constitution which requires the interpretation of the Constitution in a manner that:- (a) promotes its purposes, values and principles; (b) advances the rule of law, and the human rights and fundamental freedoms in the Bill of Rights; (c) permits the development of the law; and, (d) contributes to good governance. It is neither the intention of the Speaker nor, indeed, this august House to be insensitive and indifferent to the issues that have been raised concerning the establishment of the Committee on General Oversight. His Excellency the President, in his Communication has made the following two recommendations or suggestions namely; 1. There be a stay of the newly introduced Standing Orders, New Part XXIA (The Committee on General Oversight - Standing Order No.170A to 170L) as they relate to the answering of questions by Cabinet Secretaries before the Committee on General Oversight. 2. The National Assembly considers revising the newly introduced Standing Orders to emphasize the principle of separation of powers. Hon. Members, from the foregoing and in order to ensure that the National Assembly discharges its oversight role without let or hindrance and for the House to address itself to the issues raised in the Communication from the President and using the powers conferred upon me by provisions of Standing Order No.1(1), which states that “In all cases where matters are not expressly provided for by these Standing Orders or by other Orders of the House, any procedural question shall be decided by the Speaker,” I, therefore, rule as follows: 1. That the operation of the Committee on General Oversight be and is thereby suspended forthwith to enable the National Assembly seek ways to engage on how best to handle the matters that have been raised regarding its establishment. The Procedure and House Rules Committee will spearhead these consultations and for which the Communication from the President is now hereby referred to for consideration and advice accordingly. 2. The Cabinet Secretaries shall, once a week on every Tuesday between the hours of 10.00 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. when the House is sitting, be required to attend before Committees of the National Assembly to answer questions submitted by Members concerning matters for which the Cabinet Secretaries are responsible. The provisions relating to questions that applied to the Committee on General Oversight shall apply"
}