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MPs warn Constitutional Tribunal of impeachment
Published on Thursday, 16 August 2012 13:13
Lower House Speaker Thura U Shwe Mann seen during Parliament session (Photo - Wai Yan Phyo Oo)
The Speaker of the Lower House, Thura U Shwe Mann, said on Tuesday that he will send a formal letter to the president about the possible impeachment of the chairperson and members of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union.
NLD chairperson Daw Aung San Suu Kyi seen together with nationality representative
(Photo - Wai Yan Phyo Oo)
The tribunal offended MPs when it decided on March 28, 2012 that defining committees and commissions of parliament as union-level bodies is not in keeping with the provisions of the Constitution.
The Speaker said the tribunal had no authority to make this judgement, which is a blow to the dignity of MPs and could hamper them in carrying out their tasks and responsibilities.
Lower House representatives had sought permission from the Speaker on April 26 to allow impeachment proceedings against the chairperson and members of the tribunal.
The Speaker deferred judgement, and some persons of the Lower House explained the matter to the president. The president replied that he would help solve the problem and the decision of the tribunal would be cancelled, if necessary.
Thura U Shwe Mann said, “A total of 301 MPs submitted a complaint letter to parliament for the second time on August 8, 2012, accusing the chairperson and members of the Constitutional Tribunal of the Union of breaching sub-articles (ii) [breach of any of the provisions under the Constitution]; and (v) [inefficient discharge of duties assigned by law] in Article (a) under provision 334 of the state Constitution.”
The MPs asked the president again on August 9 about the best way to solve this problem without impeachment, but they could not resolve the issue. They will also request the president to change the decision of the tribunal and to urge the chairperson and the members of the tribunal to resign from their posts by August 21. If they fail to do so, the MPs will press for their impeachment.