Mnangagwa tells MPs that a diplomatic passport is not a right

*HON. MURAI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  We have had the response from the Leader of the House Hon. Mnangagwa on the issuance of diplomatic passports.  What is worrying me is why were a few selected, yet as Members of Parliament we operate under the same conditions of service?  I feel we should be treated equally because we are all Members of Parliament in the same Parliament.

*THE VICE PRESIDENT AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE, LEGAL AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (HON. MNANGAGWA): Hon. Members, let me tell you the truth on this matter and this is a fact.  Whether you like it or not, it does not matter.  A diplomatic passport is not a right, we should be aware of that.  There is nowhere in our Constitution or wherever, where it is said a Member of Parliament should be given a diplomatic passport.  It is not a right but it is a privilege.

*THE HON. SPEAKER:  Order, order, you have heard it for yourselves, but what Mr. Chinotimba has said, should be pursued.  I remember when we were youngsters, we would go and court a lady and that lady would look down upon you, shout at you and at times hit you but we would never give up.  We would go on courting that lady until she felt that I am authentic and agrees to me.  I am therefore saying, let us not tire.  We know His Excellency, our President is a man of his word and he will give an ear to our request.  We know we will win.  The issue which has been raised by Hon. Chinotimba, we will pass it on to him.  Whatever response we will receive, we will inform you.

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