DODOMA, June 5 -- SPEAKER of the National Assembly, Mussa Azzan Zungu, on Thursday directed the Office of the Clerk to take disciplinary action, in accordance with parliamentary Standing Orders, against all Members of Parliament (MPs) who have been absent from parliamentary sittings without permission from the Speakers Office.

Speaking shortly after the session for MPs questions to the Prime Minister, Zungu expressed disappointment over the conduct of some legislators who skip parliamentary sittings, describing the practice as a violation of the House Standing Orders and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by their constituents.

He said absentee MPs fall into three main categories. The first category, according to the Speaker, consis...