Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon earned a backhanded compliment from President Thabo Mbeki in the National Assembly on Thursday.
Responding to debate on the Presidency Budget vote, Mbeki said he appreciated the way Leon had expressed himself on Wednesday during that debate.
”I must … express appreciation for the remarks made by the honourable Tony Leon, and the manner in which he expressed his views.”
Mbeki added an ironic sting to this observation.
”I was indeed pleased to note the fact that honourable members truly respected his [Leon’s] right to state his views by containing their heckling, making it possible for all of us to hear what he had to say, regardless of its merits.”
His jibe drew laughter and applause from ruling party MPs, and a comment from Leon, who called out: ”We return the compliment to you today [Thursday]!” — Sapa