Speaker warns Opposition Leader over ‘vile’ remarks, says he could go before Privileges Committee

Speaker of the National Assembly, Manzoor Nadir, on Monday condemned comments made by the newly elected Leader of the Opposition, Azruddin Mohamed, warning that the remarks could see him hauled before the Privileges Committee if deemed in breach of parliamentary rules.

Addressing the House at the start of a sitting of the National Assembly, Nadir first congratulated all Members elected to the 13th Parliament, including Government Ministers and Opposition Leader Mohamed, while reminding them of the weight of responsibility that accompanies their office.

The Speaker stressed that every Member of Parliament must be thoroughly familiar with three key documents: the Constitution, the Standing Orders of the National Assembly, and the Handbook for Members of Parliament. He noted that these instruments govern conduct, debate and accountability within the House.

Referencing Article 50 of the Constitution, Nadir reminded Members that Guyana’s supreme organs of democratic power include Parliament, the President and the Cabinet, and said respect for these institutions is non-negotiable.

Against that backdrop, the Speaker condemned what he described as “vile comments” made by the duly elected Leader of the Opposition, cautioning that criticism of the Speaker must be pursued through the proper parliamentary channels.

“Anyone wishing to criticise the Speaker is free to do so by way of a substantive motion brought before this House,” Nadir said. “While I have thick skin, and 45 years in public life has tempered me well, I am not averse to acting firmly when criticism crosses the line.”

He made it clear that the comments attributed to the Opposition Leader remain under consideration and could form the basis of a referral to the Privileges Committee, which is empowered to investigate breaches of parliamentary privilege and misconduct.

During his address, the Speaker also gave a detailed account of the process through which the Leader of the Opposition was elected eearlier on Monday.

He explained that the election was conducted during a meeting convened by him ahead of the presentation of the 2026 National Budget, formally establishing the opposition leadership in the 13th Parliament.

According to Nadir, Amanza Walton-Desir, the lone Member of Parliament from the Forward Guyana Movement, voted in support of Mohamed, along with the 16 Members from the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) group. He noted that the 12 APNU+AFC Members of Parliament exited the meeting after the nomination was made.

The Speaker further disclosed that he has since formally transmitted the outcome of the vote to President Dr Irfaan Ali by way of written correspondence, thereby completing the constitutional and procedural requirements for the recognition of the Leader of the Opposition.

Nadir reiterated that while robust debate is a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy, it must be anchored in respect for the rules, the office of the Speaker, and the institutions of the State.