Speaker again cautions MPs about Facebook posts

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, during Thursday’s sitting of the National Assembly, addressed complaints he recently received about the social media posts of several Members of Parliament (MPs).

In his opening announcements, the Speaker said although the posts were made by the MPs in their private capacity, he was still cautioning that it should reflect the esteem of the office they represent.

The Speaker said not only were the posts being made inaccurate on the concerns of the government’s business and the business of the House, but they were also inflammatory.

“There has been precedence where in previous Parliaments where matters pertaining to social media posts were made. I am of the view that the Speaker or the House cannot compel members to, one desist from posting any further inaccurate information and two, delete all inaccurate and inflammatory posts on social media or three offer an apology in Parliament,” the Speaker said.

“l, however, urge honourable members to be careful with respect to the accuracy of the information you publish and to take into account, the responsibilities of the offices you hold and those you represent. We are here to win hearts and minds and earn respect and reinforce our credibility. We have to be truthful and honest with our facts,” he added.

In September 2020, the Speaker had issued several warnings to Members of Parliament, noting that breach of privilege is a serious offence.