Shoddy legislation passed in a hurry

I HAVE a few burning national issues to share with my fellow countrymen and women.

I absolutely fail to understand how the political leadership understands their responsibilities and accountability in general. It is a serious cause of concern to see how irresponsible our representatives can be at the expense of the landless poor.I think the relevant legislation is very clear on who should take what stringent steps and when.The song about the absenteeism of MPs is getting old and requires urgent action if democracy is to prosper in this country.Something tells me that it was excellent idea that MPs should declare their assets and financial interests – although this would not eliminate nepotism, corruption and fraud etc.However, it is deplorable that all these warnings as well as the introduction of sound practices and measures are falling on deaf ears because of the hunger for personal gain.His Excellency, the President, has on numerous occasions warned MPs to take their parliamentary duties seriously and to at least respect the ‘Oath of Office’ they have taken.I wonder in whose interest parliamentarians rush through legislation, just for it to be patched up with the addition of amendments to suit the interest of certain individuals.There appears to be an attitude of ‘I have to pass it and I need not respect it’, or, ‘I can either break it or amend it any time.’ How fast can those MPs, who so frequently neglect their duties, enact laws.This haste seems to be the new order nowadays in Namibia? They rather spend more time on their personal business and respective interests in the constituency from where they hail.When will the Government remove the “big thorn” (fraud at local authorities) in our sides and implement stringent disciplinary action against the CEOs convicted of corruption and fraud? I believe that stolen funds should be returned and those responsible should be fired as remedial steps in the search for a permanent solution to the saga.It seems that democracy is busy dying a natural death since elections don’t take place as scheduled.The leadership simply doesn’t want to relinquish positions any longer or make way for others.I agree with those who feel that the National Council should rather be strengthened – not abolished.My argument is based on the time consuming and much talked about decentralisation policy.I strongly feel the electorate should have reputable local political representatives at National Council level who know their voters’ problems and collective interests.Let the grassroots decided their own fate.Land tax is another matter for concern.In my personal opinion, poor and innocent targets will be punished in the end.Some emerging commercial farmers are struggling to repay their loans to Agribank.Imagine how they will cope with that financial burden coupled with the prevailing drought situation if it does not rain enough.We must remember that the success of good governance is not measured by the number of useless legislation, but rather by the successful implementation of these laws in the best interest of the public at large.Finally, we should get serious about the enactment of legislation, and, equally serious about the speedy implementation thereof.Otherwise we can throw them in a waste bin- once again at the expense of the poor electorate.Leaders should ensure that all elections take place as stipulated in the respective laws and not be delayed unnecessarily.We must bear in mind that lawmakers and law drafters have already been paid for their role, and, next in the line are the implementors.Let’s forge together energy, scarce resources and every second available to put the existing golden opportunities to good use in our mutual interest.Remember that turning a blind eye to reality, truth and facts borders on selfishness and self-enrichment schemes.We should remember that those political offices are temporary positions. B.A.- Hambira Concerned Analyst – Karas RegionIt is a serious cause of concern to see how irresponsible our representatives can be at the expense of the landless poor. I think the relevant legislation is very clear on who should take what stringent steps and when. The song about the absenteeism of MPs is getting old and requires urgent action if democracy is to prosper in this country. Something tells me that it was excellent idea that MPs should declare their assets and financial interests – although this would not eliminate nepotism, corruption and fraud etc. However, it is deplorable that all these warnings as well as the introduction of sound practices and measures are falling on deaf ears because of the hunger for personal gain. His Excellency, the President, has on numerous occasions warned MPs to take their parliamentary duties seriously and to at least respect the ‘Oath of Office’ they have taken. I wonder in whose interest parliamentarians rush through legislation, just for it to be patched up with the addition of amendments to suit the interest of certain individuals. There appears to be an attitude of ‘I have to pass it and I need not respect it’, or, ‘I can either break it or amend it any time.’ How fast can those MPs, who so frequently neglect their duties, enact laws. This haste seems to be the new order nowadays in Namibia? They rather spend more time on their personal business and respective interests in the constituency from where they hail. When will the Government remove the “big thorn” (fraud at local authorities) in our sides and implement stringent disciplinary action against the CEOs convicted of corruption and fraud? I believe that stolen funds should be returned and those responsible should be fired as remedial steps in the search for a permanent solution to the saga. It seems that democracy is busy dying a natural death since elections don’t take place as scheduled. The leadership simply doesn’t want to relinquish positions any longer or make way for others. I agree with those who feel that the National Council should rather be strengthened – not abolished. My argument is based on the time consuming and much talked about decentralisation policy. I strongly feel the electorate should have reputable local political representatives at National Council level who know their voters’ problems and collective interests. Let the grassroots decided their own fate. Land tax is another matter for concern. In my personal opinion, poor and innocent targets will be punished in the end. Some emerging commercial farmers are struggling to repay their loans to Agribank. Imagine how they will cope with that financial burden coupled with the prevailing drought situation if it does not rain enough. We must remember that the success of good governance is not measured by the number of useless legislation, but rather by the successful implementation of these laws in the best interest of the public at large. Finally, we should get serious about the enactment of legislation, and, equally serious about the speedy implementation thereof. Otherwise we can throw them in a waste bin- once again at the expense of the poor electorate. Leaders should ensure that all elections take place as stipulated in the respective laws and not be delayed unnecessarily. We must bear in mind that lawmakers and law drafters have already been paid for their role, and, next in the line are the implementors. Let’s forge together energy, scarce resources and every second available to put the existing golden opportunities to good use in our mutual interest. Remember that turning a blind eye to reality, truth and facts borders on selfishness and self-enrichment schemes. We should remember that those political offices are temporary positions. B.A. – Hambira Concerned Analyst – Karas Region