Mr Speaker and hon members, once more we have reached the end of another year. There is no doubt that this has been a very busy year. This year we got down to business as early as possible to ensure that the work of this House was completed on time.
As is normal, the recent Cabinet reshuffle and consequent parliamentary changes have added a further level of complexity to our parliamentary work. Nevertheless, as a collective, we have managed to deal with a great deal of business and we have addressed many important matters.
We wish everyone farewell for the year. We hope you will find joy over the festive season in the company of family, friends and loved ones. In a month's time we will be celebrating Christmas. On behalf of the UDM, we would like to wish all of you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. To our Muslim colleagues who recently celebrated Eid, we hope they will have a joyous New Year.
We salute all the late hon members who worked hard to make a difference in our country. May their souls rest in peace!
We appeal to everyone to drive safely on our roads. Let us spread the message of responsible and safe road usage.
Finally, we express the warmest message of thanks to the many staff members in the administration of this institution and to the political parties, who enable us to do our job. Many thanks to all of you! May we return refreshed and inspired to proceed with our work in the New Year. Thank you, hon Speaker. [Applause.]