Come early, MPs told

By JEFFREY ELAPA

MEMBERS of Parliament have been urged to attend sittings, and, when they do, to arrive on time.
Acting Speaker Jeffery Komal told The National that members needed to attend Parliament “to make laws, amend laws and make important decisions”.
Komal said attendance and punctuality were crucial in ensuring House proceedings went smoothly.
“While we respect their rights, being a leader comes with responsibility, and that includes observing starting times and attendance,” Komal said.
Speaker Job Pomat had earlier raised the same concern, calling on MPs to arrive early. Some sessions had to start up to an hour late because there were not enough members present to form a quorum.
Some sessions were adjourned after the Speaker and the mace had already arrived in the chamber. Pomat reminded MPs of the need to start sessions on time.
Komal said it remained a problem for the leaders who were supposed to attend Parliament as representatives of the people.
While some arrive late because of genuine reasons such as traffic problems and party caucus meetings, a late start meant a delay in the day’s programme, Komal said.
During a session this week, Komal and the sergeant-at-arms carrying the mace arrived at 10am. But they left soon after because there was no quorum.
Yesterday’s session started at 10.55 am after it was adjourned by the acting Speaker at 10 am.
Wednesday’s session started late too. The only important business of the day was the presentation of the Apec report by Minister Justin Tkatchenko.
But that too had to be disrupted after the power went off. Mendi MP and Minister for Work Michael Nali came to the rescue however. He switched on his mobile phone torch to assist the minister continue reading his ministerial statement on Apec.