THE Southern African Centre for Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) has joined other organisations in condemning MMD vice president Michael Kaingu for tearing President Michael Sata's speech in Parliament on Tuesday this week.

SACCORD spokesperson Obby Chibuluma said in an interview in Lusaka yesterday that the move by Mr Kaingu was disrespectful and should be condemned strongly by every peace loving Zambian.

He said there was no need for Mr Kaingu to take a confrontational stance but should have debated the speech in a respectful manner despite him not agreeing with the views contained in the speech.

He said though Members of Parliament had the freedom to debate the speech, they should do it in a proper manner.

"It is not right for people to undermine the powers that be and frustrate the governing process of the country. Mr Kaingu should have spent more time to debate the speech instead of showing his emotions," Mr Chibuluma said.

He advised the MPs not to be confrontational in their debates but to be helpful and contribute to the development of Zambia in reducing poverty and creating employment.

And the Patriotic Front (PF) also condemned Mr Kaingu's action and regretted that MMD president Nevers Mumba was in support of his vice president's action.

PF media and publicity director Chanda Mfula said in a statement yesterday that Dr Mumba was making it impossible for Zambians to respect his leadership.

Mr Mfula said it was disgraceful for Dr Mumba who was also a pastor to endorse the actions of his vice president.

He said the PF membership was not surprised by Pastor Mumba's stance because there was a striking similarity between his and Mr Kaingu's behaviour.

"There is, therefore, nothing surprising when one individual decides to support the actions of another of his kind. But PF sympathises with the other MMD leaders because they now will not just have to deal with one, but two intemperate top most leaders," he said.

He said Dr Mumba should realise that there was no need for him to support any action against President Sata or the PF government.

He said the MMD president must begin to take a more responsible approach to leadership and embrace values that would help his party contribute constructively to the maturation of the country's democracy.

He maintained that Mr Kaingu should be expelled from Parliament to avoid setting a dangerous precedent.