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Speaker warns PSC witnesses
View(s):The Speaker’s Office warned yesterday that those called before the Parliamentary Select Committees (PSCs) would have to be aware of the consequences if they fail to turn up.
Noting that a decision to allow the media to cover the PSC proceedings would have to be made by the Select Committee itself, the Speaker’s Office in a statement said, “The Speaker hopes to discuss the matter with Party Leaders and bring it to Parliament’s attention.”
The PSC investigating the Easter Sunday attacks had been established through a motion approved by Parliament following an agreement signed by both the Government and Opposition MPs, the statement said.
Witnesses who come before the PSC, after being administered the oath, are clearly notified that they have the right to provide any evidence that maybe prejudicial to national security without the media being present, the statement said.
The Speaker’s Office noted that it was Parliament that had the sole authority to halt any process undertaken by agreement and as per standing orders. “As such, the Speaker cannot arbitrarily halt the PSC’s activities,” the statement added.