Sept 04, 2014(Nyamilepedia) — A former South Sudan member of parliament, Hon. Reath Muoch Tang, breaks silence over their sacking for missing 12 consecutive parliamentary sessions.
Earlier reports indicate that the MPs were fired after a parliamentary session for failing to attend the parliament without notifications or resignation letters.
The decision, according to Sudan Tribune, was unanimously passed by the “majority” with only a few dissidents. Reath believes that, few MPs tried to explain that the displaced MPs did not missed 12 sessions, however, their voice was ignored.
“I came across a news item that was published on Sudan Tribune on August 27, 2014 regarding my removal from the national parliament in Juba along with 22 of my colleagues on the grounds that we have absented ourselves for 12 successive sittings contrary to the assembly’s business conduct” Hon Reath Said.
“The news item further mentioned that the motion to remove our membership from the parliament did not generate much discussion from the parliamentarians, however, it mentioned that one of the lawmakers raised a legal point arguing that the removed members actually have not been absent for 12 successive sittings. Nevertheless, her point, though legally valid was never heeded.” Reath Continued.
Hon Reath welcomes their sacking in expense of their safety, however, calls on the parliament to have decency and integrity to respect and abide by its own laws.
“What matters here is not why we were removed from the parliament, but one would expect this highest legislative body in the land to at least have the least of decency and integrity to respect and abide by its own enacted laws.”
Reath reiterates that the reason he has not submitted his resignation letter thus far is because the parliament, despite claiming to have met more than 12 times, never address Juba massacres and many other atrocities committed by the government.
“I left the parliament on December 15, 2013 without submitting my resignation because I consider the parliament illegitimate.” Hon Reath said.
“Reasons being that the parliament did not bother to convene in order to discuss the mass killings of civilians by the regime in December 2013, nor did it table a motion to remove the genocidal president, Salva Kiir from office. To me this shows that the parliament is non existent or it’s just a rubber stamp.”Reath continued.
The former member of parliament believes that the national legislative assembly may not follow up with by-elections to replace the sacked MPs.
“Now let’s us wait and see whether this very same parliament would notify the National Elections Commission, so that it can arrange for by-elections within 60 days as stipulated in article 64, item(1,2) of the 2011 interim constitution.” Reath said.
“If this parliament breaks our nation’s laws with impunity, what would become of our nation and its citizens?. Where would ordinary people go to seek justice, if the lawmakers are not showing any moral compass for the nation?” Hon. Reath continued.
