By Musa Mdluli

MBABANE:Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini might face contempt of Parliament charges for allegedly blocking the release of R50million subvention due to The Luke Commission having been approved by Parliament through the Appropriation Act of 2025.

An MP who spoke to this Swaziland News on condition of anonymity told editor Zweli Martin Dlamini that, a vigorous lobbying has already began seeking to halt the National Budget until the PM approves the release the money.

The MP said as elected Members of Parliament, they normally transport the elderly to The Luke Commission for medical treatment and therefore, they fully understand the plight of the people in the various Tinkhundla Centres.

“We were actually surprised to read in the Swaziland News that, the PM is refusing to release the money and that, if the generous businessman did not contribute the R1million, the electricity supply could have been disconnected at The Luke Commission. We appreciate the donation of R1million from the businessman and we will play our part as Parliament to hold the PM accountable. We were elected by the people and know exactly the importance of The Luke Commission amid shortage of drugs in public hospitals. We won’t pass the budget until there’s a proof of payment of the R50million,” said the MP.

On another note, the MP said Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has undermined Parliament on numerous occasions and therefore, he must be held accountable.

Acting Government Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli declined to comment about the matter.

On another note, the PM is alleged to have overruled Cabinet and refused to approve the release of the money thus violating the Appropriation Act of 2025.

Reached for comments by this Swaziland News when asked to clarify if of the PM was not violating the law by blocking the money, human rights lawyer Sibusiso Nhlabatsi said, the Prime Minister must release the money and guard against having his personal interests superseding the public interest.

“The PM is the Chairman of Cabinet and must preside over Cabinet meetings and implement Cabinet resolutions not to impose his own interests. We all know the role played by The Luke Commission in the country and if there are concerns regarding the money, it’s the Minister of Health who must object in a Cabinet meeting not the PM,” said the human rights lawyer when speaking to this publication.