FF PLUS ORGANIZES COOPERATION BETWEEN OPPOSITION PARTIES IN PARLIAMENT ON INFORMATION BILL

"If the proposed protection of information bill is approved by Parliament, in an effort to protect media freedom, it will be necessary to send the act to the Constitutional Court in terms of section 80 of the Constitution for its approval on the constitutionality of the act. For this to happen, the support of all the opposition parties in Parliament will be needed. With this in mind, I held talks with the UDM and the UCDP yesterday as the Whip of  9 smaller opposition parties in Parliament in order to also garner their support," Dr. Corné Mulder Chief Whip of the Freedom Front Plus and Whip of smaller opposition parties in Parliament said.

It is essential that the group of 9 smaller parties in Parliament, which represent 21 members, is in agreement about this issue.

Yesterday's talks will be followed up next week with discussions which is to be held with all 9 parties.

"It is of essential importance that the maximum opposition is offered in a coordinated manner against the ANC's bill on the protection of information. If all opposition parties cooperate to offer this resistance in Parliament, media freedom in South Africa can be ensured," Dr. Mulder added.

Statement issued by Dr. Corné Mulder, FF+ MP and Whip for Smaller Opposition Parties in Parliament, August 20 2010

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