Chakwera Puts Question On Hold; Wants To Quiz President Mutharika In The House Face To Face

Govt. Says President Not Coming 

Chakwera shaking hands with Peter Mutharika

The Malawi Congress Party President and Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly on Wednesday said will wait for President Peter Mutharika to come in the House so he can ask and talk face to face on problems facing the country.

The Lilongwe North West legislature, Lazarus Chakwera, has put his question on hold and is appearing on Order Pater under Questions on notice to the President for Oral Replies under section 89 (4) of the Constitution of Malawi and Standing Order 70.

“We know that the President has busy schedules and could not come. I asked this question in order to engage the President in this House as prescribed by law since we always interact with Ministers, I therefore do not mind to wait until such a time as he is free to answer my question” Chakwera informed Deputy Speaker, Clement Chiwaya in the House followed by a very loud applause from opposition side

His question appearing on the order paper reads “To ask the President why there is seemingly lack of action when all the economic indicators- inflation, exchange rate, economic growth, etc are pointing in reverse direction. Leadership is doing nothing tangible, claiming it is everyone’s responsibility. Is this not abdicating your policy and its execution according to the Malawi Constitution, Articles 7 and 13 (e).

Chakwera reacted this way because President Peter Mutharika had delegated Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe as person fit to respond to the question.

Later in an interview, Chakwera maintained his stand he would rather wait to ask his question until such a time the Malawi President has time to come to the National Assembly to respond to his question.

He said his call for President to avail in the House was in accordance with laws that the president is a member of parliament. 

“So our desire has been to meet the president on matters of national importance. When we were informed that he is not able to come and has delegated which is in accordance with his powers, I for one decided that I would rather have him come because they would be follow up questions that ministers would not necessarily deal with when such questions are posed to the president.” Said Chakwera who reiterated that he wants to meet and interact with the president in the House

Kasaila; Chakwera question is general 

Leader of House, Francis Kasaila in an interview explained that Chakwera question is not related to Presidents’ own statement made in the House and therefore does not fall in category of questions that necessitate President to respond by himself. But he said in this case the law accepts that the President should delegate the minister. 

“The President had used his prerogative to delegate the Minister of Finance to respond to the question relating to Finance” indicates Kasaila

Mutharika has not addressed thr House recently 

“It is a general question” he said referring to the question made by Chakwera, then explains “The President has not addressed the House recently, and therefore according to the law, he can only come and respond to the question himself when that question is emanating from his own speech. That is what the law is saying. And therefore there is nothing irregular, and the questions that we have are all specific to relevant ministries and the President decided that the ministers should be able to answer those questions.” Explains Kasaila

When asked if he simply means the President is not coming in the House to respond his reply was “For this questions yes”

There are four questions in total that are posed to the President but will be answered by the Minister if the President will not come.

Leader of House also interrupted the Deputy Speaker, Clement Chiwaya and directed him not to continue with Questions on notice to the President as the Business Committee had agreed only to respond to Chakwera’s question on Wednesday.

“The agreement was, today we will respond to the question from the Leader of Opposition and on Friday (respond to other three questions), because the minister who has been delegated to respond to those is not in the Chamber. That was the agreement in the Business Committee” he said

Below are other three questions waiting for President Peter Mutharika’s response through delegated minister

1. Honorable Khumbo Kachali, Mzimba South-West legislature “To ask the President to explain what Government is doing about the critical shortage and unavailability of maize stocks in most ADMARC Depots and markets across the country, which has resulted in people walking a long distances for them to reach the ADMARC Markets in order to buy maize. For example, Mjinge, Edingeni, Mquocha, and Kapolo, just to mention a few in Mzimba South-West Constituency are located at a radius of about 40 kilometres away from the main ADMARC Depots at Mzimba Boma where unfortunately they spend days and nights without getting maize, inspite of assurances from the Ministry of Agriculture officials that maize would be made available, the problem still exists.”
2. Hon Kamlepo Kaua of Rumphi East “To ask the President to explain to the Nation, through this House about the food situation in this country.”
3. Nkhota-Kota South East legislature, Hon E.A Makowa also wanted to ask “To ask the President why as a nation we seem not to be making progress on identifying a new crop or crops to replace tobacco as our main cash crop. Demand for tobacco products nationally and internationally is on the decline due to the massive international campaign that is being waged against the crop on health grounds and, therefore, our reliance o tobacco as a cash crop is doomed. What plans, strategies and time frame does the State President have to fast track process?”

Promised ATI, Land Bills Never Came In The House- Complains Chakwera As National Assembly Adjourns Sine-Die

Chakwela

Leader of Opposition in National Assembly and President for the country's main opposition party, Lazarus Chakwera, says the First Meeting of the 46th Session of the National Assembly  has come to an end without deliberating the much awaited bills.

He also bemoaned that there has been a lot of business that should have been considered on the order paper.

Chakwera said in his speech before the House adjourned sine die,that the House hoped “for a vibrant debate on the Access to Information (ATI) bill particularly after being assured by the Country’s leadership to have the bill and some land bills tabled.

“But we had hope that all other bills that we had been promised would have also been tabled in order for us to tell the world and us Malawians that we want to be a country that is accountable that is transparent in all our dealings and that’s the reason that Access to Information Bill is some kind of disappointment not to have it tabled.” he said

”We look forward to enacting badly needed legislation on reforms, ATI among others for all of us to better serve Malawians experiencing terrible inequalities in economic, agriculture, education health, politics. These disparities must be dealt with."

Chakwera expressed hope that ATI and Land bills that were promised prior to the just ended Meeting that will be brought to the Business Committee of the Houses will be made available during the Second Meeting expected in February next year. 

"So we are trusting that the midyear review will bring many of these pieces of legislation to be discussed in the chamber.” hoped Chakwera

However, the opposition leader, noted that the house managed to consider some business which he think have given hope to Malawians. He mentioned issues of hunger situation and preparation for the farming season, education and health issues as some of the isues that the House consodered and placed much focus because they needed serious attention.

Francis Kasaila

Moving motion that the House adjourn Sine Die, Leader of House Francis Kasaila said the Meetings deliberations went on smoothly against early speculations that there would be inside fighting.

“I believe that looking at the amount of work that has been dealt with I can say without fear of contradiction that I think we have done a good job.” Said Kasaila 

He, however acknowledged existence of areas that need improvement and promised as leaders of the House to endeavor to improve in the subsequent meetings of the House.

Speaking of what transpired for four weeks since the Opening of the First Meeting by President Peter Mutharika with State of the National Adress delivered on Friday 6th November 2015, Kasaila said 6 Ministerial statements were delivered in the House and 2 remains on the Order Paper.

He among others said two public petitions (from University Students Leadership and Civil Society Organisations on Health) were delivered to the House and that 9 bills were passed.

Bills Passed During First Meeting Of 46th Session of National Assembly 

1. Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Amendment Bill) passed on Wednesday 11th November 215.
2. Estate Duty (Amendment Bill) passed on Monday 16th November 2015
3. International Development Association (Southern Africa Trade and Transport Programme Phase 2)  Loan Authorization Bill passed on Tuesday 17th November 2015
4. Credit Reference Bureau (Amendment Bill) passed on Tuesday 17th November 2015
5. Insolvency passed on Wednesday 18th November 2015
6. Malawi Institute of Procurement and Supply passed on Monday 23rd November 2015
7. European Investment Bank (Upgrading of Aviation Safety Equipment at Kamuzu and Chileka International Airports Project Loan Authorization Bill passed on Monday 30th November 2015
8. OPEC Fund for International Development (Mzimba Integrated Urban Water and Sanitation Project Loan Authorization Bill) passed on Tuesday 1st December 2015 and 
9. African Development Bank Mzimba Integrated Urban Water and Sanitation Project Loan Authorization Bill passed on Tuesday 1st December 2015

Three bills have since been referred to the Parliamentary Committees for Further scrutiny

1. Metrology Bill on Monday 23rd November 2015 the House resolved to refer the Report of the Parliamentary Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism on this bill back to the Committee for refinement
2. Payment Systems Bill which was referred to the Budget Committee on Monday 23rd November 2015 and 
3. Electronic Transaction Bill which was referred to the Committee on Media, Information and Communication on Wednesday 25th November 2015

The leader hoped that the concerned committees will be ready with their reports for presentation to the House during the next Meeting of Parliament likely to be held in February 2016.

Mutharika Sugarcoat Malawi Situation In His Address

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera, says President Peter Mutharika’s sugarcoated seriousness of the country situation in his speech when opening the Parliament Meeting on Friday.


The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president was responding to State Of National Address on Monday evening as the house begins responding to President Speech delivered last Friday 6th November 2015.


Chakwera said although President Peter Mutharika acknowledged in his address that the country is at critical stage but the rest of his speech was sugarcoating the seriousness of the situation.


The leader of Opposition whose speech lasted 38 minutes, full of number of concerns regarding what President Peter Mutharika should have spoken on the occasion of opening the 46th Session of Parliament, however, said “one positive from the President‟s address is that it only lasted 23 minutes, so at least Mutharika was kind enough to not take too much of our time with his Zero Plan Speech.”


Chakwera said the President Speech was not only empty, but also avoided so many national issues


“To be frank, Mr Speaker Sir, the President‟s speech avoided so many national issues that it is almost impossible to find anything of substance to respond to.” Said Chakwera


“The Executive may think that avoiding to say how bad things are will make Malawians think that their lives are getting better, but this is a fool‟s errand, and this House will not allow you to bury your heads in the sand like this. Let‟s talk about how things are falling apart.” Said Chakwera


He said as things seems now, it is clear that Malawi is not only financially bankrupt, but also bankrupt of sound policies and plans to move Malawi into a prosperous nation.


The Opposition Leader justified his claim saying for those who listened to President Mutharika’s speech  never got action plans to end enormous challenges facing people.


Among others he said President failed to highlight areas of deteriorating security, food situation, social welfare even rationale on hiked fees in Secondary and Universities as well as removal of Standard 8 and JCE examination. He further said the President should have also informed Malawians on the status of K557 billion audit query as well as plans to end arson burning markets.


He then requested the whole house to put heads together to offer ideas to President on how he can end the enormous challenges facing the country


“Because the President has failed to set the record straight about the poor performance of the country and his leadership, I stand here to do it. Because his government has no plan by which to call Malawians to actions that will get us out of this mess, we must all put our heads together here to offer him ideas.” He said


“We simply cannot afford to let the ship we are sailing on to sink in these troubled economic waters simply because the captain does not know the way to our destiny or how to navigate troubled waters. We cannot afford to let the Executive, with its 20 strong cabinet plus a congregation of 20 plus so-called advisors, leave our children at the mercy of its endless comedy of errors. It is unfortunate that the people have no means to fire the whole administration, and indeed a wonder that the whole lot has not resigned. After all, Mr Speaker Sir, not only are they failing to solve our problems, but they themselves have become a problem!” he lamented


He also accused President Mutharika of lying to Malawians that 2015 will be a great year, that the economy will rebound and that nothing is working now.

BMC, Parliament Want ATI Bill Enactment In the Upcoming Meeting

Chakwera (middle)

Leader of Opposition in Parliament, and Media, Information and Communications Committee of Parliament says will lobby for enactment of the much waited Access to Information Bill (ATI) during upcoming meeting of Parliament.

Members of the Bwaila Media Club (BMC), on Wednesday had an audience with Leader of Opposition Hon. Lazarus Chakwera, sought his support in pushing for the tabling of the bill and objectively pass it amid delay ‘tactics’ from Government to take the bill to the upcoming Meeting of Parliament.

Few weeks ago in Salima, President Peter Mutharika promised to take the bill to the First Meeting of the 46th Session of Parliament which begins this Friday saying all the processes were finalized. This pronouncement was reiterated by Minister of Information Jappie Mhango during the recent meeting of some Cabinet Ministers and Members of Civil Society in Lilongwe.

However, the promises are unlikely to be met now as Leader of House in the National Assembly, Francis Kasaila disclosed to Journalist on Monday in Lilongwe that the bill still awaits final inspection by Cabinet. He said it is not on the list of the business for the next Meeting of National Assembly.

Hon Samuel Kawale and Chakwera

Chakwera shared BMC concern over the delays by Government to take the bill to parliament and promised to “Seriously” take the responsibility of encouraging all members from his party and others in opposition on how they can help push for the tabling of the bill.

“I would say that am with you” he said, “The message you brought has been received and warmly so. And that if Lord willing we should even incorporate your concerns in some of things that we say”

The Opposition leader also underscored that Access to Information Bill is very important.

He said the bill empowers people to have information that is needed in order for them to appreciate what their own government is doing. And that with comprehensive view of what is happening they are able to make informed decisions.

“Let information that the public needs to have be made available. Not just on demand… but when such is needed however, there should be a backing of the law that says you have that right to access that information.” said Chakwera

“We are with you.” He affirmed “I am particularly would love for the information to be available to anyone because issues of accountability and transparency are important to us all” added the opposition leader with emphasis that information is critical in an age “like ours”

Hon Samuel Kawale

In his remarks Chairperson for the Media, Information and Communications Committee of Parliament, Samuel Kawale, said was “disappointed and discouraged” to learn that Government is keeping on delaying the bill which has stalled for so many years.

“If there were issues that needed to be addressed they should have been brought earlier on, so that we sit down again, talk over them and make sure that all the grey areas are sorted out” he said

“As Committee, our major task from now on, is to work alongside with media houses and other stakeholders to lobby government to make sure that this bill is tabled in parliament and passed into law” assured Kawale

Meanwhile, leader of the Bwaila Media Club delegation, Steve Chilundu has expressed his profound gratitude for the promising remarks from the Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera and the Chairperson for the Media, Information and Communications of Parliament.

Chilundu said BMC will continue to meet with various stakeholders to ask them lobby government to table and pass the Access to Information Bill during the Meeting of National Assembly which begins this week.

Bwaila Media Club has also issued a statement expressing concern over, government recent ambiguity and dilly dallying in its commitment to table and pass the bill.

Area 18 Vendors Sends SOS As Chakwera Call For Lasting Solution To Market Fires

Thursday night picture of burning shelter

Area 18 market vendors have asked people and institutions of good will to assist them to recover from the fire which has completely gutted down their market, in the course damaging their properties.

The fire which started Thursday night burnt to ashes property worth Millions of Kwachas which officials from the market estimate it to about K100 million from over 500 business persons.

The remains of Area 18 Market 

No single property was rescued from the inferno said some of the victims who are suspecting that the fire was caused by electricity fault.

Speaking in an interview, Chairperson for the market, Bernard Gama said it will be difficult for most of the vendors to recover from the damage since the destroyed property was their sole treasure.

Property worth millions damaged 

“We will now live like orphans, we have nothing to do.” He said while pleading for help from the well wishers including government and non-governmental organizations.

The raging inferno spared nothing 

Lazarus Chakwera being walked round the
Market to see for himself 

Leader of Opposition and president of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), hon. Lazarus Chakwera, rushed to the scene to see for himself and said “It is shocking” when describing the nature of damage.

Gama showing Chakwera some properties
Damaged by the fire

Chakwera said the damage has affected the whole city since this is likely to cause serious economic challenges to many families that were depending on Area 18 market by doing various businesses as well as those that were buying from the market.

However, the MCP leader said it was sad to note that the market fires are very frequent across the country where property worth millions of Kwacha’s are being lost.

“Market fires are occurring frequently in our country and it is shocking.” He said

He then suggested that all relevant authorities including Councils, Parliament and vendors Associations to take these matters seriously by finding solutions that helps to end the occurrence of fires in all markets.

“We need to find concrete solutions.” Urged Chakwera

Chakwera said the scene was shocking 

He underlined the need for proper solutions that “truly gives hope” to those doing businesses especially on making sure that small vendors are able Insure their business.

“We need to find solutions which prepare for these uncertainties” said Chakwera, who emphasized that such business insurance schemes may help to lessen the effects of fire damages.

He also promised that his party will come back to support the victims.

Chkwera says venders must Insure their
Businesses 

People were shocked at seeing the fire
Gutting the market to ashes 

Pictures taken the night when
Area 18 market caught fire

Parliamentary Roles Were Overlooked Says Chakwera As House Adjourn Sine Die

Hon Chakwera

The National Assembly adjourns Sine Die, however The Leader Opposition  says the role of parliament was overlooked in number of issues.

When delivering speech on the moved motion that the house adjourn sine die, the Opposition Leader in Parliament,  Hon.  Lazarus Chakwera said was happy   that the 2015/2016 budget was passed after scrutiny from Opposition and Independent members and  emphasized that equitable distribution of the approved K923 billion be followed and in good time. 

Chakwera however said was not happy with the manner in which some issues had been treated in the house citing the MSB sale and Data analysis report on 92 billion Audit query which now becomes of the K577 billion audit query needing forensic audit.(get it hereWaterhouse Coopers Audit Query)

The Opposition leader added that some have even questioned the usefulness and independence of the house in addressing certain of these problems.

He expressed concern that  implementation of this budget will take place within context of practices that continue to put into question the trustworthiness of those that lead.

And hoped that the next meeting in November, government will bring bills and reforms that require legislations.

Hon Kasaila 

Leader of the House, Francis Lazaro Kasaila before moving a motion that the house adjourn sine die, he thanked the members but noted with concern that their daily attendance for the sitting was worrisome.

He urged all members to improve on this and asked them to stop personal attacks in the house as this will remove the dignity of the house.

This was 45th Session of 4th Meeting opened by President Mutharika on 5th May 2015 with State of the National Address. The house met for 9 weeks and on 15th May 2015 the house agreed to the President Statement

The House has among others approved Chief Justice on 20th May 2015

Presented with Budget Estimates on 22nd May 2015 where each vote and allocations were considered by committees and through general debate. And passed the budget on 26th June with appropriation bill (get all votes here Budget Votes and budget scrutiny report here By Budget and Finance Committee 2015-2016 Committees Report)

The house has passed nine bills and very few referred to relevant committees for further consideration and will be brought back in the house during the next meeting

Out of 205 question posed to various government ministries for oral reply responses, 184 were answered representing 75% achievement.

Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly has however thanked the president and the executive for not interfere with the parliament.

Kamlepo Call For Peter Mutharika Resignation Over MSB Sale

There was a heated debate in the National Assembly after learning that the Malawi Savings Bank sale has been reached and the government has signed the deal with FDH Bank on Thursday morning.

The information reached the house in the afternoon and resulted into the early lunch break as members began to demand for more explanations from the government over the decision.

Immediately the house resumed sitting in the afternoon a lot of members of parliament including Uladi Mussa, member for Salima South asked why the Minister had decided to sell the bank yet the house had on Wednesday passed a motion which restricts sale of MSB instead, provide enough resources.

He even asked why the sale was done yet the president announced the suspension of the sale.

However Minister of Finance Goodall Gondwe said “Before we took this action president announced his decision that we can now go on with the sale.”

The national assembly passed resolution to halt to sale the bank when the committee on Budget and Finance on Wednesday brought in the house, a report which recommended government to use other avenues except sale of the bank

Rumphi East legislature, Hon. Kamlepo Kalua while wonder to whose interest did the President had announced the decision to sale the bank made a strong call that “Am therefore calling the resignation of the president of the Republic of Malawi Professor Peter Mutharika!

Chakwera

But Leader for the house in the National Assembly Francis Kasaila tried to rescue the president invain by saying “This is an executive decision on behalf of all Malawians” and added that the decision was legal

Leader of Opposition Hon. Lazarus Chakwera said, the decision to sale the bank was lack of transparency from beginning to end

He said the minds of the executive were made up to go for the decision and set aside loads of calls from the public.

He said people should expect more problems in future and the poor Malawian will pay the price.

He also bemoaned that the relevance of National Assembly on the matter was overlooked

There were emotions as the motion was being debated to the extent that the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Esther Chilenje pleaded for debate of the matter with “sober mind”

Chairperson for Agriculture in the National Assembly Hon. Felix Jumbe registerd his concern in the house saying the sale of MSB is a loss to Malawi’s strategic asset.

He even suggested that Malawi would have recapitalized the bank by asking people to contribute K20, 000 per person which would have raised over K50 billion.

“You are causing poverty to people of Malawi by selling the Malawi’s strategic assets” and pleaded for rescind of the decision 

Hon. Juliana Lunguzi

Dedza East Parliamentarian Juliana Lunguzi described the sale as one of the worst decision ever made and worried if the laws of the land are any important regarding that by requirement of the law the house had presented report which the whole house adopted and restricted the sale of the Bank. She then questioned the relevance of the existing laws.

Malawi Opposition Leader Hails Mutharika For Inviting Investors Forum

Hon Dr. Lazarus Chakwera

As the Malawi Government decision to invite both global and local investors continue be well-liked among foreign dignitaries, from Malawi, Leader of Opposition in Parliament and President for the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr. Lazarus Chakwera, describes Malawi Investment Forum (MIF) “a way to go.”

Though Chakwera noted with concern that such an idea “should have been ready yesterday”, but acclaimed the move saying that MIF is Malawi’s road to prosperity.

“This is way overdue.” He observed then said, “This is as it should be, because we cannot thrive as a nation if we do not really have big time investment and big time trading. Because we have added value to the production that we have in the country, so this is a way that things have to work”

The Malawi Opposition Leader emphasized that “This is what we must do in order to encourage that there be production and creation of wealth in order for the country to truly develop.”

Hon. Chakwera however, hints that “We just need to pull up our socks as a nation and do what is required” by pulling out resources together in terms of how Malawi can truly market herself “than just talk about it.” On this he reminded that Malawi need to trade carefully when wooing foreign investors taking into account that “we are living in the global village” where such investors “no matter how you can talk to them” they will read about Malawi and they will know what happens in this country and they will know about what other investors have experienced.

Hon Dr. Lazarus Chakawera

The MCP president attended the opening ceremony for the first ever Malawi Investment Forum which  the Malawi President, Professor Peter Mutharika officially opened on Monday 30th June 2015 at Peermont Hotel's Bingu International Conference Centre.

The conference has drawn companies from across the globe, with intent to invest in Malawi.

Government of Malawi is showcasing its opportunity areas in the seven sectors of Mining, Agriculture and Agro-processing, Energy, manufacturing, Infrastructure, Tourism and Financial Services.