FORMER Speaker of the National Assembly Amusaa Mwanamwambwa says parliament and the media should work together because they are essential players in enhancing democracy.
Mr Mwanamwambwa also said parliament and the media should respect each other’s role in society.
He was speaking in Lusaka yesterday during a seminar for members of Parliament (MPs) under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
Mr Mwanamwambwa presented a paper on: ‘Developing effective ways of dealing with the media to ensure strong advocacy and coverage of Parliament’.
Mr Mwanamwambwa said when Parliament and the media join hands, society becomes better informed and takes part in decision-making processes.
“Parliament and the media are partners in development and their role in society is cardinal and hence the need for them to work together for the good of society,” Mr Mwanamwambwa said.
And speaking when he officially opened the seminar, Speaker of the National Assembly Patrick Matibini said the seminar was aimed at exposing MPs to pertinent issues involving the media, women’s participation in politics and decision-making processes.
Dr Matibini implored MPs to find out what hinders women from participating in politics and other sub-national decision-making bodies.
He said MPs should explore and identify lasting solutions to problems.
On the role of the media, Dr Matibini said Parliament should use the media to promote transparency, good governance, expose practices that are detrimental to democratic development and ensure that factual information is provided to the public.
MPs in attendance included Minister of Home Affairs Ngosa Simbyakula and Minister of Gender and Child Development Inonge Wina.
Also at the seminar were Monze Central MP Jack Mwiimbu (UPND), Kasama Central MP Geoffrey Mwamba (PF), Chipangali MP Vincent Mwale (MMD), and Kabwata MP Given Lubinda (PF),
Others were Nakonde MP Abel Sichula (PF), Chasefu MP Chifumu Banda (FDD), Lundazi MP Mkhondo Lungu (MMD), Kasempa MP Kabinga Pande (MMD), Senga Hills MP Kapembwa Simbao (MMD) and Rodgers Mwelwa (PF) of Mwansabombwe.
I think you did well when you were speaker.
You never summoned Sata or HH to parley
HE WAS NOT A CADRE LIKE MATIBINI
Yes bamudala ba Mwamwambwa balileta dignity to the chair.