Malema's parly suspension 'unnecessary'
Political analyst Protas Madlala says it is regrettable that Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has been suspended from the National Assembly.
Malema was suspended for refusing to withdraw a remark he made about Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.
A few weeks ago Malema called Ramaphosa a murderer saying he is responsible for the deaths of 34 miners at Marikana in 2012.
National Assembly chair Grace Boroto yesterday ordered Malema to apologise for the comments but he would not budge.
You can listen to the exchange here:
Madlala says he disagrees with the EFF president's suspension saying the house should have instead debated the points that he raised further.
He has questioned the new parliamentary rules which allow for the Parliamentary Protection Services to physically remove unruly MPs from the chamber.
''They said these rules are meant to ensure that parliamentarians are in order at all times but what has not been said is that these are actually targeting the EFF.
Maybe its due to call them into order so they don't raise these controversial issues, however, it doesn't seem to be working.
''I think it works temporarily. They are able to suppress [issues raised] by suspending MPs temporarily but it will never be enough to make these issues go away,'' he said.