Hon members, before we proceed to the Seventh Order, which will be read by the Secretary, and before the Table changes and there is a different presiding officer, I just need to give a ruling.
Hon members ... [Interjections.] No, I will be very nice today, provided you are nice! [Laughter.]
During the debate on the Subject for Discussion in the name of hon Koornhof on 8 November 2012, hon Oriani-Ambrosini rose on a point of order about a remark made by hon Mokoena during the debate. He contended that the reference to him by hon Mokoena as a "spoilt brat" did not only demean the intelligence of the speaker, but also the recipient of such an insult. Hon Ambrosini asked me to rule on the remark. I undertook to study the Hansard and come back to the House with a ruling. Having now had an opportunity to study the unrevised Hansard, I wish to rule as follows.
According to the unrevised Hansard, hon Mokoena said, and I quote:
Dr Ambrosini, we miss you in the Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises. I respect you as a lawyer; you have a good legal brain, but you surprised me when you acted like a spoilt brat when you clashed with the previous chairperson of the portfolio committee, hon Vytjie Mentor.
The objection to the remark is based on Rule 63, which states that: "No member shall use offensive or unbecoming language." Offensive or unbecoming language includes the making of personal attacks on members, and the use of insults and obscene language.
The expression, "spoilt brat", refers to a child - not an adult - who is ill-mannered or unruly, and therefore it is derogatory. It is most inappropriate when used against an hon Member of Parliament. I must, therefore, ask the hon Mokoena to withdraw the remark.