One of the youngest MPs from the Patriotic Alliance, Jasmine Shanon Petersen, on Thursday expressed her disappointment with how fellow MPs conducted themselves during parliamentary proceedings.
“I must say I am a bit disappointed in the manner some proceedings go when points of orders are raised when some members are on the podium. There is a major issue of lack of respect for members. Many of the points of orders not only interrupt but delay proceedings,” said Petersen.
She also said the point of orders were personal attacks with a high degree of disrespect.
“It is concerning that as a young person I must remind you to respect your elders. People don’t stop being elders when they become parliamentarians.”
Petersen said respecting someone did not mean agreeing with them but showing respect.
“I humbly ask those when the shoe fits, wear it and learn from it so that we can proceed without being rude. The youth are watching these proceedings and they are the very youth we have come to represent facing major problems such as 50% unemployment and expensive data, yet they are subjected to these ill-mannered behaviours,” she said.
“Please, honourable members, I implore us to remember that South Africans are counting on us to make this thing work and take the country forward,” Petersen added.
ACDP chief whip Steve Swart commended Petersen for reminding MPs about respect and the decorum of Parliament.
“It is great that one of the youngest members of this House reminds us how to conduct yourselves. Let us take heed of her request,” Swart said.
Cape Times