‘Urgent’ Bills now in the hands of the National Council – WINDHOEK OBSERVER

Martin Endjala

The ball is now in the hands of the National Council to debate and consider the urgent bills referred to it by the National Assembly after the latter deliberated and passed the legislation in accordance with Article 75(1) of the Namibian Constitution.This was necessitated to ensure that Namibia is not greylisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

So far, eight urgent bills and one ordinary bill were referred last week to the National Council which resumed its 6th session yesterday and is expected to conclude on 20 July.

The Chairperson of the National Council, Lukas Sinimbo yesterday urged the Parliamentarians to work around the clock to further ensure a speedy but effective review of the bills referred to the Chamber, adding that in doing so, it will demonstrate their commitment both to the nation and the legislature in terms of ensuring that laws are amended to counter evolving international laws.

During last week’s National Assembly Sessions, Finance Minister Iipumbu Shiimi reiterated that to avoid greylisting, the policy lawmaking parliamentarians must ensure that they accelerate the passing of these urgent amendment bills.

Shiimi was responding to a question posed to him by a member of parliament of the Popular Democratic Movement Maximilliant Katjimune about whether he can assure the Namibian people that the country will not be greylisted.The finance Minister responded saying that so far, the country is on the right track given the number of urgent bills that have already been passed. Shiimi added that it is now up to the National Council to keep the ball rolling.

The bills are the Financial Intelligence Amendment Bill, Extradition Amendment Bill, International Co-operation in Criminal Matters Amendment Bill, Livestock and Livestock Products Amendment Bill Virtual Assets Bill, Prevention of Organised Crime Amendment Bill, Prevention and Combating of Terrorist and Proliferation Activities Amendment Bill, Police Amendment Bill and the Criminal Procedure Amendment Bill.

Of the nine Bills referred thus far, Sinimbo revealed that eight are considered urgent while the Livestock and Livestock Products Amendment Bill is considered an ordinary Bill that is up for review.

These urgent Bills will enjoy priority before other Bills will be considered, Sinimbo added.