Issued by: Gauteng Legislature
SPEAKER'S RULING ON A MATTER OF URGENT PUBLIC IMPORTANCE
Peter SG Leon, Gauteng Member of the Provincial Legislature and Democratic Party Leader, yesterday submitted a request for the tabling of a Matter of Urgent Public Importance, regarding unsubstantiated allegations in the media concerning the Premier of Gauteng. Calling for a commission of inquiry into such allegations, the Democratic Party issued a press statement that this matter would be tabled in the House during today's Sitting. This statement however, was premature and is incorrect, since the Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Trevor Fowler, has in fact ruled that the matter would not be tabled in today's Sitting. The reasons for this ruling are as follows:
- The debate is not of Public Importance because the debate does not meet the criteria of a Matter of Public Importance. - The debate is not about the accountability of the executive to the legislature or the people of Gauteng because the premier cannot respond as the allegations are unsubstantiated. - The debate would be irresponsible because it would fuel rumours as opposed to reducing the "damaging effect on the Premier's image" as implied in the submission. - The submission implies a goal of transparency yet the report of the Commission is not made public.
The full text of the ruling is available on request.
(Issued by the Communication Department of the Gauteng Legislature Tel. 011-498 5512)
26 September 1996