National Assembly Speaker`s Decision On Maynier
6 October 2009
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip notes and accepts the decision of the Speaker of the National Assembly that Parliament will not act against the Democratic Alliance Member of Parliament, David Maynier.
The Speaker`s decision follows our recommendation last month that Maynier be removed from the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans with immediate effect. The recommendation was made after he disclosed illegally obtained classified information to the media pertaining to arms trade between South Africa and other countries.
Our view was that while Maynier had not bridged any rule of Parliament, his failure to take into consideration the potential danger his reckless disclosure posed to the national security of the country was a conduct unbecoming of an MP serving in a security sensitive Portfolio Committee.
We accept the Speaker`s conclusion that the current rules governing MPs` ethical behaviour are limited and therefore provided no basis for Parliament to take any action against Maynier.
We welcome and share the Speaker`s view that the National Assembly Rules Committee must consider developing the necessary rules. This will ensure that South Africa does not descend into lawlessness where even MPs, our country`s lawmakers, can play political football with sensitive information without due regard to the security of the country and its people.
Issued by
The Office of the ANC Chief Whip
ANC Parliamentary Caucus
Parliament of the Republic of SA
Cape Town, 8000
Enquiries:
Moloto Mothapo 082 370 6930
