Ministers who mislead parliament should resign, says Speaker

MASERU — National Assembly Speaker Sephiri Motanyane says ministers who deliberately mislead parliament should resign from cabinet.

“Ministers who knowingly and deliberately mislead parliament will be expected to tender their resignation to the PM,” Motanyane said.

Motanyane made the warning in his speech during the first sitting of the First Session of the Eighth Parliament on Tuesday.

“It is of paramount importance that ministers give accurate and truthful information to parliament and correct any inadvertent errors at the earliest opportunity,” Motanyane said.

He urged ministers to take their work seriously and account for their actions.

Ministers have a duty to account for policies, decisions and actions of their respective departments, he added.

Motanyane said ministers should be open and provide as much information as possible except for instances where “disclosure would not be of public interest”.

“But, this should be decided in accordance with the relevant statute and government’s code of practice on access to information,” he said.

It was also the responsibility of ministers, Motanyane added, to ensure that civil servants who give evidence before parliamentary portfolio committees under their direction “provided accurate information”.

“Evidence provided by civil servants should be accurate, truthful and full information in accordance with the duties and responsibilities of civil servants as set in the civil service code.”

He reminded ministers that serving in the executive was a responsibility they should not take lightly because “this is the most important institution in governance.”

“Its credibility and legitimacy is brought about by the instrument that has brought you into power”.

He further advised ministers against alienating themselves from the electorate.

“You cannot afford to offend your right in order to placate your left or offend your left to placate your right,” the speaker said.