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{
    "id": 813350,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/813350/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 94,
    "type": "other",
    "speaker_name": "",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "memorandum is addressing issues that we have seen, where security is withdrawn from retired leaders when their views do not seem to be in line with the Government in place. That exposes them to unnecessary risks. By virtue of having served this country, they need to be taken care of and that is why the principal Act is clear. The memorandum talks of coming up with ways of amending or reducing the security details of the retired persons. The main issue in this amendment is setting up of the committee, which is made up of the Minority Leaders of the Senate and the National Assembly. It is a Joint Committee of the two Houses; that is very clear. This will make it difficult for anybody, just because a retired leader does not agree with the person, to use that as a means of punishing him by withdrawing their security. That is a well thought out way of making sure that retired leaders retire with dignity and this country takes care of them, just as they have served this country. That is an important amendment, which I support. Mr. Speaker, Sir, further, in the event that the retired leader passes on, the pension that goes to their children or spouse is clearly indicated. This is also good because it does not depend on who will be in power at that time; they cannot go ahead and deny them that right. I support this and hope that it will settle some of the problems we have. Retired leaders fear coming out to clearly state their positions on current issues while not in office, yet, being leaders of this country, the public expects them to express their views. However, because of the fear that if they make their statements or position clear, the current Government might punish them by withdrawing their security and so on, they keep silent. Therefore, this amendment is well thought out and I hope it will go a long way to make sure that our retired leaders contribute to the development of this country, by giving their views without fearing any kind of repercussions from the Government of the day. Mr. Speaker, Sir, I beg to support."
}