Hon Chairperson, the role of Parliament as one of the key institutions that build a link of accountability connecting citizens to the state cannot be overemphasised. An effective parliamentary democracy ought to strive for the implementation of policies and programmes that encourage effective constituency service and improved government departmental performance.
In many countries around the world parliaments are considered to be weak and ineffective due to their being state-centred and executive-dominated. Although at times there are worrying signs of an executive that attempts to impose its will and decision on this House, thus seeking to turn it into a Mickey Mouse, rubber-stamping institution, we can safely say that by and large our Parliament plays its accountability and oversight roles.
It would be impossible for this institution to live up to our people's expectations if it fails to make the government accountable for how it uses the taxpayers' money; if it fails to evaluate whether government departments are being managed effectively; if it fails to ensure optimal constituency service and so on. These issues, among others, have a direct effect on the quality of service delivery to our people and their quest for the betterment of the quality of their lives. A parliament that fails to carry out these important tasks can never meet or exceed our people's expectations. It would have failed to carry out its basic constitutional duties. I thank you, hon Chairperson.