SWAZI MPs have demanded to know why the State-owned Observer newspaper was closed down three weeks ago. The Observer was closed on February 17 by owners Tibiyo Taka Ngwane after a series of skirmishes with editorial staff. Tibiyo owns the paper on behalf of the Swazi nation, and are strong traditional loyalists. MP Mfomfo Nkambule, appointed by King Mswati III, asked Public Service Minister Mgwagwa Mdluli to explain the closure: “This honourable House will be failing in its duties if it cannot ask you to explain why the newspaper was closed, and we want you to tell us.” Mdluli said that the closure was not within his ambit, so he would not entertain the question.