Members of Parliament (MPs) after some spirited deliberation and consultation in the Well of Parliament on Thursday 4th February 2021 deferred the debate on the Medical Examiner’s Bill 2020 due to concerns raised by some of them.
According to Hon. Mac-Mamoud Kalokoh, they are about to repeal a law that is over 100 years old, which according to them should not be done in a rush if only they want to do justice and come out with a fine law that will stand the test of time.
He drew the attention of the Speaker to the absence of the parent Act which they are about to repeal even though the Acting Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie had promised that when the Bill was tabled they will have pre-legislative engagement on it before bringing it up for debate in Parliament.
The Acting Leader of Government Business, however maintained that they met and decided that the document should not be taken to Pre-legislative meeting as they can discuss it in the Well and then commit it before concluding the second reading.
Members of the Opposition however insisted that the Bill be committed to the Legislative Committee for further scrutiny, which was also supported by the Opposition Whip Hon. Hassan Abdoul Sesay.
The Speaker however cited Standing Order 50 and 51 stating that it is clear Parliament is on the right track by debating the Bill and then commit it to the legislative Committee, but the Leader of the Opposition, Hon Chernor Maju Bah, pointed out that instead of them relying on Standing Order 51 he will prefer they rely on Standing Order 37.
He noted that it was very clear that some of their colleagues are well prepared for the debate.
The Speaker after consultation said they cannot proceed with the debate as the parent Act has not been made available to MPs which is necessary for them to make meaningful and appropriate contribution. This prompted him to postpone the sitting and urged the Acting Leader of Government Business to ensure the Parent Act is distributed to all MP’s before the end of business hour today Friday 5th February 2021.
AM/5/2/2021
By alhajim.kamara@awokonewspaper.sl