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{
    "id": 801248,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/801248/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 160,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. (Dr.) Otiende Amolo",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 13465,
        "legal_name": "Paul Otiende Amollo",
        "slug": "paul-otiende-amollo"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Hon. Temporary Deputy Speaker. I stand to support the Motion and the Speech by the President and to note that under Articles 132 and 240 of the Constitution, what is expected of us is to critically examine the Speech and debate. Therefore, we do not just agree. We must also disagree. I want to discuss three aspects. One, the President addressed the question of inclusivity, the question of public service and reconciliation. I join colleagues who have lauded the President and His Excellency the Prime Minister for the handshake, because it sets a good foundation for reconciliation. I trust that in future, we are going to set a foundation for reconciliation not just of the leaders, but of the citizenry as well because this country still remains divided. I trust that that handshake will form a true foundation for inclusivity and equity which we still do not have as we speak. One of the unintended consequences, as I come to the second issue of corruption, is the fact of inequity and non-inclusivity which have led and will lead to an unequal distribution of culprits of corruption, for to those whom much is given, much will have to be taken. The renewed political impetus to fight corruption is a good one. It is my view that the focus should even be more on impunity, for it is impunity that is fuelling corruption. The way to fight impunity must be ability to report wrongdoing, to investigate and to punish. I challenge us in Parliament to play our part by independently and robustly focusing on what else we need to do. This, in my view, would include reviewing the regime of legislation and the framework for fighting corruption. It must include reassessing our ability to impeach or censure those State officers who are involved in wrongdoing, a role I must say we have not done very well. It must include our independent ability to approve the right appointees for certain State offices. And it must, in a different context, allow us to examine this animal called “stepping aside” for it is a concept we have adopted, but it is not based on any legislation. It is a concept being practised and bandied out there. The Speech of the President is meant to cover three things, namely, national values, national security and international obligations. I think on the second one of security, the Speech commendably underscores the improved status of security in this country. Unfortunately, the Speech at the same time commended the actions of the disciplined forces, particularly the police. That is a commendation I do not share for the police caused the deaths of many people and many others were maimed. I do not think they need a commendation in that respect. On the question of international obligations, the Speech did cover a host of matters that have been covered, including relations with neighbouring countries. The one thing it did not The electronic version of the Official Hansard Report is for information purposes only. Acertified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor."
}