Hon House Chair, having considered a part of the judgment that was before the court today, in which several aspects of the ruling in regard to Oriani-Ambrosini, MP v Sisulu, MP Speaker of the National Assembly were, in fact, highlighted, it is important for us to note that he vigorously emphasised that there was no difference in the right of a member to introduce a Bill, just as there is no difference in a motion being introduced by an individual member, and especially one from a minority party.
He also emphasised the fact that we live in a multiparty democracy where the voices of other opposition parties must be heard, and that we are not in a parliamentary majoritarian Parliament. Therefore, it is critically important for us to consider this.
Now, in the Rules Committee meeting that was held we considered the interim arrangement but, something which hon Ambrosini raised today, it is setting a dangerous precedent. Consequently, on behalf of my party, Cope, I have to raise our objections and ask that this matter be dealt with in such a manner that we are really treating all pieces of legislation and all other matters that are brought before the House on an equal footing.
For that reason we would like to propose again that we refer it back to the committee. If the majority wants to take a decision today, we would like to record our objection in the strongest terms. Thank you.