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{
    "id": 560306,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/560306/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 131,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
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    "speaker": null,
    "content": "The Bill which has been referred back to Parliament has been referred back to both the National Assembly and the Senate, more so, because that Bill itself was a product of a Mediation Committee made up of Members of the Senate and Members of the National Assembly. So, I do not see by any stretch of the imagination how the Speaker of the National Assembly could say that this is a matter for the National Assembly and they are going to deal with it without forming a Joint Committee, as required by their own Standing Orders and our own Standing Orders. Mr. Speaker, Sir, it is said: “When others lose their heads, keep yours.” I think that is what we are doing. Let us not fall into the trap of committing illegalities because your brother in the “Lower House” has committed illegalities. As the “Upper House”, it is our duty to stick to the Constitution and the law. This Motion is, indeed, in accordance with our own Standing Order 158, which specifically deals with referral of Bills by the President. Standing Order 158 (1) states:- “Whenever the Senate receives the President’s reservation on a Bill pursuant to Article 115 of the Constitution, the Senate shall, within seven days of the receipt refer the President’s reservations to a Joint Committee appointed for that purpose and Standing Order 216 (Appointment of Joint Committees) shall, with necessary modifications, apply.” So, we are following the Constitution and our Standing Orders and should not be distracted from this path by the illegalities which have been committed by the “Lower House.” Mr. Speaker, Sir, before I sit down, we are told of a prayer which is always said by the moon. The prayer is that as the night comes and the sun is setting, the moon always prays that the sun never rises again, so that it can continue giving moonlight to the world. There could be such prayers from the other House, that this House never rises again, so that it can continue giving moonlight to the world and deprive it of sunlight. May God bless them. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to support."
}