
President Mokgweetsi Masisi suffered humiliation on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday when Members of Parliament across the political divide united to reject his brainchild – the Declaration of Assets and Liabilities Bill – through which he was hoping to win the hearts of many. The Bill, which was brought to Parliament by the Minister of Presidential Affairs, Governance and Public Administration (MOPAGPA), Nonofo Molefhi caused serious divisions within the house, leaving the BDP caucus which had hoped for a smooth sailing, disappointed. Debating the proposed legislation on Wednesday, President Masisi said he hoped that MPs will give the Bill thumps up as a collective. However, his expectations were thwarted as legislators, including some from the ruling party, criticised the formulation of the draft Bill and rejected some of its proposals. Opposition MPs took a swipe at what they consider Masisi’s trump card to convince Batswana that he is committed to fighting corruption by enacting enabling legislation, a promise he made soon after ascending the presidency in April 2018. Selebi-Phikwe West MP from the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), Dithapelo Keorapetse launched an onslaught on the bill calling President Masisi a corrupt leader who does not even qualify to…