Response to Mmegi - Masimolole did not cut off debate on Media Practitioners Bill

source: Republic of Botswana (23/2/09): TAUTONA TIMES no 4 of 2009
The Weekly Electronic Press Circular of the Office of the President "Democracy, Development, Dignity and Discipline"

C4) 19/2/09: Response to Mmegi - Masimolole did not cut off debate on Media Practitioners Bill

In an article entitled "Domkrag chief whip hard put to explain" Mmegi (18/2/09) reported that:

"...in December when the Media Practitioners Bill was tabled. The Member for Mogoditshane, Patrick Masimolole, moved for a vote before any debate, and the bill - considered undemocratic by journalists - passed into law."

The above distorts what actually transpired. What the Hon. Member of Parliament in fact did was to move the Bill to Committee Stage, where there was ample opportunity for it to be further debated.

At Committee stage the Hon. Minister of Communication, Science and Technology moved a number of substantive amendments to the Bill. At this point other Members of Parliament had the opportunity to not only challenge and/or seek to amend the Ministers proposals, but also introduce any amendments of their own.

That this did not happen does not negate the fact that such opportunity existed.

It was only after the Bill had passed through Committee Stage, that it was put up for a third and final reading before Parliament, thus becoming law.