Mliswa insists MPs are not cry-babies, they are just underpaid

Norton legislator who on Wednesday complained that $2 000 paid to Members of Parliament was too little as it translated to only $1 000, yesterday raised the issue again saying it must be put on recordthat legislators are not cry-babies. They are just asking for what is due to them.

He said that Parliament must issue a statement to that effect because the MPs had to pay fees for their children since they did not have a package.

“You know everybody has a  package before they start work.  It includes holiday, school fees, medical allowances, education allowances; one of the issues that you push for as Parliament was to ensure that people further their education.  All these packages we do not have,” Mliswa said. 

“We are supposed to be paid a salary on top of a package which we are entitled to but we do not have a proper package or any package to talk about.  This US$2 000 we are talking about includes us paying school fees for our children…..

“So, at no point are we abusing State resources at all.  In terms of fuel coupons, Members of Parliament at times go without.  There is an outstanding amount in fuel coupons and so forth. So, it is important that we set the record straight and the media is told exactly what is happening.”

Full contribution:

HON. MLISWA: On a point of order Madam Speaker.  Good afternoon to you.  First of all, I want to acknowledge the letter that I got in terms of the update on the sitting allowances and other pertinent issues.  Thank you very much for responding to that. First, we have to clarify and I want to say this as a Member of Parliament and I am sure other Members of Parliament will also support me.  We seemingly are being seen as people who are selfish, who want to use public funds and yet there is no one out there, even Parliament, saying that we have a right to our money and we have not been paid.  I wish that the Parliament of Zimbabwe can issue a statement to say that what the Members of Parliament are pushing for  something within their right.  It is a constitutional obligation which is there – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – As a result, people believe that we are cry-babies.  We would like to put it on record that we are not paid as much as they think we are.  We are only paid US$2 000 per month. We pay for the school fees for our children, we do not have a package – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER: Order Hon. Members, I think Hon Mliswa is presenting an issue which affects everybody here.  I thought it was wise for us to keep quiet so that we are heard.  We have to understand what he is saying.  When you make a lot of noise you will not hear what is being said.  Can you please proceed Hon. Mliswa.    

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