Cope MP roasted over in-flight conduct

2012-07-09 14:47

Picture: AP

Johannesburg - Cope MP Dirk Feldman has been roundly roasted after he reportedly tried to open the door of an SAA plane in mid-flight while intoxicated on Saturday.

The National Council of Provinces MP was part of a parliamentary delegation en route to India. He was briefly detained by India's security authorities and subsequently sent back home.

Congress of the People chief whip Dennis Bloem said National Assembly Speaker Max Sisulu and NCOP chairperson Mninwa Mahlangu had ordered Feldman "to go back home".

"We await a full report on the [incident] from Mr Mahlangu's office and will only be able to communicate further details at a later stage."

He said Cope would, however, not tolerate any misconduct by its MPs.

Bloem told Beeld newspaper on Sunday: "He had too much to drink and they say he lost his inhibitions."

Parliament said in a statement on Sunday a decision on further action would be taken once reports from witnesses and SAA had been received.

ANC chief whip Mathole Motshekga said on Monday he had noted the incident with "regret and disappointment".

"Such conduct is unacceptable for a member of Parliament, regardless of the party she or he belongs to, as it undermines the integrity of the institution and the respect our people have in it. It is even worse when it happens during an official overseas trip, as it places this Parliament and the country in a negative light both internationally and at home."

The action taken by Sisulu and Mahlangu had "minimised the negative impact this unfortunate incident might have had on the trip and the entire business of the delegation in that country".

Given the seriousness of this misconduct, a proper investigation should be conducted to ensure appropriate action was taken, he said.

- SAPA