/ 24 October 2005

Namibian MP withers under gaze of the press

Namibian minister without portfolio Ngarikutuke Tjiriange has objected to the press watching MPs’ ”every move” in the National Assembly, The Namibian newspaper’s website reported on Monday.

It said Tjiriange complained in the assembly he felt as he was under a microscope.

During question time on Friday, Tjiriange asked the House whether it was appropriate for journalists to ”monitor” parliamentarians.

He referred to an article in The Namibian, which described him as making frantic notes during a debate on corruption the day before.

Tjiriange was supported by Swapo backbencher Loide Kasingo, who mumbled that she felt ”spied” upon by the journalists in the House.

The deputy speaker, Doreen Sioka, asked Tjiriange to whom he was posing the question or whether he wanted the matter to be debated.

But Tjiriange merely said that he was asking the question for ”clarity” and for ”guidance”.

”Is it allowed for us to be monitored like [we are] under a microscope in this House?” he asked.

The deputy speaker ruled Tjiriange’s questions out of order. – Sapa