Order! May I just make a ruling? Can you take your seat? [Interjections.] Hon members, I am giving a ruling based on the understanding of the situation.
There is no Rule that indicates that a member is allowed to do this, but I think the hon Frolick has raised a matter of concern. Just bear in mind that all of you have a copy of the Rules. You will note that in terms of Rule 59 of the National Assembly Rules:
The presiding officer shall call members in accordance with a list of members who are to speak in a debate with the time allocated for speeches by members of different parties.
I have called members in accordance with the list of speakers before me. The Rules are of course silent on whether a member can speak twice in the same debate. Practice has, however, been that it is only when a member sponsors a debate that the member will open and close the debate. The current arrangement is therefore unusual and not in keeping with the established published Rules.
Notwithstanding the above, of course, and in the interest of smooth proceedings, I will allow the member to speak based on the speakers' list before me. I will, however, recommend to the Speaker of the National Assembly that this issue be referred to the Chief Whips' Forum for processing with a view to reaching a common understanding on this matter. Hon members, I beg the members to allow the member to speak. We are going to refer the matter accordingly for a final decision. Thank you very much.