Barry Streek
The Democratic Alliance’s suspension of its one of its MPs, Richard Pillay, a former member of the African National Congress, is likely to end his parliamentary career.
Pillay, who faces a disciplinary committee hearing that will decide his political future, has rejected an ”offer” by the DA to resign his seat in Parliament.
Pillay said he was seeking legal advice. ”I find the whole thing absolutely fascinating,” he said.
DA chief whip Douglas Gibson refused to give reasons for Pillay’s suspension, other than to say it happened after a committee of inquiry’s investigation.
Gibson said the impression that the DA had withdrawn Pillay from Parliament’s joint committee on intelligence for security reasons was incorrect. ”I thought Pillay was too much trouble,” he said.
Although the DA inquiry found that Pillay had not breached security, he had misused his position as an MP to intercede on behalf of a person who had a large financial claim against one of the intelligence agencies.
Because the two parties that comprise the DA (the Democratic Party and the New National Party) were elected as separate entities to Parliament, unless he resigns Pillay will have to face a DP disciplinary committee, which still has to be appointed.