THE contributions of opposition parties on the Communication Bill in Parliament only dealt with the clause on the planned interception centres that would be manned by the National Central Intelligence Service (NCIS), instead of concentrating on the entire bill, Presidential Affairs Minister Albert Kawana criticised on Tuesday.

"After listening in to the opposition Members I could not help but come to the conclusion that their policies are the same like the ideals of the Stone Age," Kawana said.

"During the Stone Age, wars were fought with spears and the gathering of information about enemy movements was done by physically infiltrating the enemy camps and information was communicated via smoke signals or beating drums," he added to the amusement of some MPs.

These methods belong in museums, Kawana said, and in the 21st century modern methods are necessary to ensure national security.

"Today the State which has access to information about the intentions of the enemy is in a better position to protect its citizens. In today's world, the enemy is not only against the state but also against innocent citizens," Kawana lectured the House.

"We experience armed robberies against individuals and businesses, our farmers and tourists are being brutalised by criminal gangs, we experience drug dealers who are prepared to drug the entire nation in order to finance their lifestyles, drugs even penetrate school grounds and couriers transport drugs in their stomachs, while criminals commercialise child pornography and the world experiences trafficking of innocent women and children," Kawana continued.

Bomb explosions in major cities are reported virtually daily, which shows that terrorists are using the most modern technology, such as mobile phones and computers, he said.

For these reasons, Governments should use the most effective and sophisticated tools to monitor and deal with such evil intentions, preferably before they could carry out their deeds, the Minister told Members.

"Part Six of the Communications Bill [which includes the spy clause] is in line with the 2004 Swapo party election manifesto as well as the principle of enjoyment of fundamental human rights and freedoms by our citizens."

Interception centres are operational "in all countries of the West, which opposition members regard as champions of democracy", he added.

"Namibia's security is not negotiable and these interception centres are long overdue.

"With this Bill Government has balanced the interests of consumers, national security and the enjoyment of fundamental freedoms of our citizens."