Parliament Holds Key To 50+1 Electoral Implementation

Arthur Nanthuru

The Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has indicated that the parliament shoulders responsibility of setting up provisions to govern the presidential election runoff.

New MEC Commissioners Meets Candidates

MEC Commissioners & Lazarus Chakwera
with MCP-UTM Alliance officials

The newly sworn in Commissioners of the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) have concluded meetings with candidates and party leaders contesting in the forthcoming elections.

Malawians To Elect President On July 2 2020

Casting vote in a ballot box

Malawians will once again to the poll to elect new president on 2nd July 2020, the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) has announced.

Fresh presidential elections were called on 3rd February, when the High Court sitting as Constitutional Court in Lilongwe delivered a judgement in which it nullified the 2019 presidential elections and ordered that fresh election be held within 150 days.

MEC announced the date on Monday in Blantyre during the launch of the presidential election electoral calendar.

Malawi Churches Say No To Abortion, Same Sex Marriage: Petition Parliament

Thousands of Christians, Muslims, Rastafarians and others from various denominations have held national wide peaceful march this Thursday asking the Malawi National Assembly to throw off proposed abortion bill and same sex marriage legalisation once they happen to find their way in the House for deliberation.

Chakwera Says Muluzi Case, MCP Legislators Wasting Resources

Malawi Congress Party President (MCP) and Leader of Opposition Parties in Parliament, Lazarus Chakwera has asked Government to drop all cases answering former President Bakili Muluzi and allow former President Joyce Banda come back home.

Chakwera was speaking when making statement before the adjournment of the National Assembly meeting Sine Die on Friday evening.

2016/17 Budget Meeting Of Parliament Meeting Ends

The Third Meeting in the 46th Session of Parliament has ended this evening after meeting for 9 consecutive weeks to consider the 2016/2017 Budget.

National Assembly meeting which began on Friday, May 20 was initially planned to end last week on Friday, July 8, 2016 but due to delays during the passing of Budget, Government decided to extend the meeting time to allow the House discuss and pass bills.

Katsonga Offers “Word Of Wisdom” As House Demands Loans

Davis Katsonga: Speaking in February 2016

Mwanza Central constituency legislator, Aaron Davis Katsonga on Tuesday evening got a standing ovation in the National Assembly for offering solution that Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Esther Mcheka Chilenje together with Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera, described them “Words of Wisdom.”

Legislators are demanding their delaying General Purpose Fund (GPF) loans of K5 million each which they are supposed to repay between now and 2019.

The Former Speaker, Katsonga asked the House to find proper forum to discuss the legislatures condition of service matter as doing so in the House would negatively affect the reputation of the House.

“Something has gone drastically wrong.” noted Katsonga then advised, “I think the leadership of on the Government side and Opposition should sit down and look into this matter very seriously because the reputation of this House is going to be negatively affected at the end of these exchanges.” 

His remarks came when the members from the opposition side of the House were insisting to progress with the matter of their condition of service when at that time the matter was under discussion between the Welfare Committee and the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, Goodall Gondwe.

Katsonga remarks further went on to plea with the Deputy Speaker to call off her decision that the Dowa East Legislator, Richard Chimwendo Banda should on Wednesday afternoon bring in the House alleged evidence that the Cabinet Ministers got K5 million loans from the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) when the Members of Parliament are being denied to get loans. 

“Madame First Deputy Speaker, by bringing the issue back in the House tomorrow, the evidence that’s being sought, we are also rekindling the very issue that I am saying is wrong to be discussed on the floor of the House” he said and further advised the Deputy Speaker to find different approach of concluding the matter

“Thanks for the words of wisdom.” replied Deputy Speaker while sustaining the point of order of Katsonga

“Honorable members, its high time that we listen to words of wisdom as stated by the member for Mwanza Central.” pleaded Chilenje who called on the House not to waste time discussing their condition of service in the House but instead focus on the issues of national interest 

“Indeed something has gone out of order.” She concurred, “I would want to plead with the leadership to find the way of resolving these issues and not in the House. This is totally out of order and am ruling the whole House Out of Order for discussing these issues” she concluded the matter

However, this winding up of the matter failed to calm down the situation as others suggested the suspension of the House to allow leadership to discuss on the matter. When tensions increased further in the House, Deputy Speaker suspended the proceedings for 30 minutes to allow the members to sober up. 

Immediately the House resumed sitting, Leader of Opposition, Lazarus Chakwera offered words of reconciliation which was in total agreement to earlier point raised by the legislator for Mwanza Central. 

He said the manner in which the matter was being deliberated in the House nobody is going to win and it will only bring chaos in the House.

“I want to appeal like the former speaker, Mwanza Central stated. I know that wisdom is not monopoly of anyone. But, I would appeal that such matters has have preoccupied us, which matter should not even be on the floor of this House, should be dealt with in the manner in which it was prescribed.

The Opposition Leader urged members never to debate issues concerning conditions of service on the floor and that any member requiring such information should approach the correct offices “and not stipulate staff that agitates Malawians across the country against certain members of the society whether they be ministers or parliamentarians in general.”

Chakwera then appealed to all members to proceed with normal business “but those who have responsibility to see through that things are done right should do so.”

Don't Just "Be At The Receiving End"- Chakwera

Lazarus Chakwera titled his speech
'Dzukani A Malawi'

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President and Leader of Opposition in Parliament has said it all why he is calling Malawians to Rise Up.

Chakwera says time to be a mare listener of leaders is over and Malawians should begin to have a say in issues happening in the country for the country to move forward.

He was speaking in an interview to highlight more on the meaning behind naming of his speech, Dzukani A Malawi, a response to State of National Address.

MCP leader, also said the ongoing exercise by Legal Affairs Committee of enhancing the Standing Orders to incorporate Constitutional provision which requires the President to take questions from legislators immediately after delivering State of National Address, will be a significant step of making Presidents answerable to Malawians.

“Malawians its high time to take the responsibility over the decisions we make. Its not right to just be at the receiving end of those we think they know more than we do." cautions Chakwera

"Every Malawian has a right to have a say in what happens in this country." He said 

He sadly observed that Malawi has developed a community and society where "we think" certain intellectuals or certain experts or certain leaders which includes politicians can say something and then "we say, Oh! father is always right, when in fact majority of our people have never been quotientised and educated enough to be able to make decisions that will make this country move forward." 

"We cannot have a large population in the rural areas depending on elite that continues to swindle them by prosing them Heaven when actually they live in Hell.” He said

Asked if he is sticking to his question to President which he reserved last Meeting of National Assembly until President Mutharika finds time to come to Parliament, he responded, “This is a constitutional issue. It has nothing to do whether I ask questions or not so other people might want to ask questions like we did. 

But when these standing orders are in place and we know the modalities that could be used in order for us to have the Head of Government then we will see how to proceed.”

Chakwera Says Malawians Are Suffering

Lazarus Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly, Lazarus Chakwera says Malawians are living in badly affected economy and quite different from what President Peter Mutharika has recently told Parliament that economy is slowly making progress.

Malawi Congress Party President, was responding to State of National Address this afternoon in the National Assembly.

Chakwera who themed his speech Dzukani A Malawi [Malawians Rise Up] said the President Mutharika speech was clear that he wants to keep Malawians waiting for the recovery and development of the country yet people wants results now.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, Malawians are desperate. They feel that their country has literally fallen apart.” Said Chakwera pointing out challenges like rising cost of living, cases of corruption in Government, poor electricity even shortage of food in ADMARC depots

“So even though the President claims that the economy is stabilizing, I am here to tell him that the only place where that claim is true in real terms is in the State House he occupies, where all his bills and living expenses are paid for by Malawian tax-payers. But for our people, who pay their own bills and living expenses, there is nothing stable about this economy.” he emphasized 

Most part of his speech Chakwera spoke about sufferings people are experiencing and at one point he emphasised "People are suffering in this country"

He also attacked point where president indicated in his speech that austerity measures and fiscal policies are bearing fruit as International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the resumption of the Extended Credit Facility (ECF). Here Chakwera argued that IMF approving resumption of its programe does not make difference to the common person in the village whose life remains unchanged when comparing before and after the resumption of the ECF.

Chakwera even noted that international development partners are not coming back to resume direct budgetary support to Malawi because Government has failed to restore donor confidence for its "failure to change its wasteful way of doing business" and not that because of changes in developed countries.

Chakwera said “To put it bluntly, the Mutharika administration is a failed government!” because he said nothing is getting better adding “This is unacceptable!” 

He also advised Government to stimulate the economic activities of ordinary Malawians first in order to stabilise the evonomy of the country. He extended his advice to the need to ending the unaffordable and unrealistic interest rate policy of the Reserve Bank, which seems to base its rate on the price of maize.

"You can’t claim that you want to get Malawians out of poverty when the money they need to start business can only be borrowed at interest rates above 20%. As a result, the levels of default are very high and Malawians are losing their homes to find relief from the shackles of debt by which their own government is enslaving them. This is criminal." He observed 

Chakwera also observed that the President speech was grand claims without substance or specifics "This is called Hot Air.” he said

For example, he said there were no specifics in areas of; plan to turn the economy around, on the proposed commission to oversee national development issues, on the links between the performance of different sectors and national economic performance targets, even on actions the government will take to end its irrational dependence on such external forces as the weather.  

Commenting on Agriculture and Food Security which was greater part of his speech, Chakwera said the National Agricultural Policy (2016-2020) is a key strategic document for Malawi which is an agro based economy. But he said the country needs a clear roadmap to adequately address the current and future challenges facing the sector by adopting a broader framework designed to shift the agricultural sector as a whole towards a commercialization agenda.

He also highlighted problems facing the health sector as well as issues on rule of law among others.

Former VP Kachali, Kamlepo, Makowa Mwale Questions Put On Hold Until President Avail In The House

The Malawi former Vice President, Khumbo Kachale, Kamlepo Kalua and Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale have joined opposition leader, Lazarus Chakwera by reserving their questions until President Peter Mutharika finds time to avail himself in the House to answer their questions.

Questions directed to President from both Kachali legislature for Mzimba South-West and Kamlepo for Rumphi East are on status of food situation in the country while question from Makowa Mwale for Nkhotakota-South East is on progress to identify a cash crop that replaces tobacco.

Minister of Agriculture, Allan Chiyembekeza was delegated to answer the questions although they were seeking direct reply from the President in the House.

Before reserving his question on Friday afternoon just before the House moved the motion to adjourn Sine Die, former vice president Khumbo Kachali sought guidance of Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya if the President act to delegate Minister was not contravening Standing Order of 2013 (201) "Where the President is required to respond to questions in accordance with the provision of section 89 (3C) of the constitution he or she may not delegate such functions to a member of Cabinet." 

However, Speaker guided Kachali that the cited section of Constitution provision, chapter 89 .3 further indicates that the President shall respond to questions only when he is addressing the House each year before the consideration of the official budget where he report on the future policies of Government and the policies of the previous year.

“That is what in Parliamentary language is termed as State of the National Address. And during that time the President shall not delegate questions." He said, "Under any other provision, whether the House does request the president to come through resolution or would like the president to come at any point to answer a question not related to provision 89 .3, he is allowed to delegate the questions.” Clarified the Speaker

Accepting the ruling by the speaker, Khumbo said "I will reserve my question until when I see the President in this Honorable House. I know he is a busy person but he will find time"

Kalua: President not to Minister 

When time came for Kamlepo Kalua to ask his question, he  stood to say; "My question is to ask the President not a Minister, to explain to the Nation, the President not the Minister, through this House about the food situation in this country. The President, not the Minister." He said, "And I will go with the decision of the other two speakers that it will be a waste of time for me to ask the Minister when I said the President... this question is directed to the President..."

Nkhotakota South East, Everson Andrew Makowa Mwale also opted to chose the decision made by Kachali and Kaua.

“What Nkhotakota-South East was looking for is HE's perspective" he said, "If the Minister replies, there will be some supplementary questions that honorable ministers will be in a position to consult the President to get his perspective on those supplementary questions so I therefore I would like to pend my question until the President avail himself to answer it"

On Wednesday, Leader of Opposition, Lazarus Chakwera also reserved his question to President on the same reason that he would rather wait until such a time the President avail himself in the House to answer the question. 

These reactions prompted Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume to ask Speaker if the House would prefer the President to write response then read in the House by the Minister and if the House feels that the Ministers are too general to answer questions.

Responding to the first question the speaker's said, that will be another form of delegating question.

But the Finance Minister, Goodall Gondwe also stood to express point that it would not dignify the President to come in the House to answer questions because there would be some follow up questions that may just be asked to humiliate the President.

House Adjouns Sine Die: Each Side Accuse Another Of Ochestrating Misconduct

The National Assembly rises Sine Die today with each side of the House accusing another for misconduct during the transaction of the business of the House.

The meeting was widely convened to discuss the Midyear Review of 2015/2016 Budget which started on Monday 22 February 2016 and has ended today Friday, 18th March 2016.

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera described the second meeting of 46th Session as ending "with mixed bag."

He elaborated in his speech that the meeting comes to an end at the time the country is facing severe food shortage country wide despite assurances that all is well yet ADMARC depots have become residences of women and children a development which he described as “indignity experience”.

He was equally concerned that the House conducted the business in the context of the depressing macroeconomic indicators despite promises that Government policies are working.

He also mentioned that the business was conducted with police intimidation, a reference to the arrest of his two legislatures, Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha. But said despite all these challenges the opposition remained unshaken as this did not demoralize the intended target.

“We have reviewed and subsequently passed a revised budget amidst assurances of fiscal discipline despite reluctance to  critically look at fundamental monetary direction.

For us in the Opposition, particularly the Malawi Congress Party, our honorable members were treated dishonorably through irregular charges and as we rise we are still traumatized by the sudden demise of one of us whose body was laid to rest on Tuesday." said Chakwera

"Despite all of these we have conducted business with rare level headedness in serving Malawians who sent us to this August House to represent them.” he added

The Malawi Congress Party Leader, Chakwera, said to demonstrate desire to strengthen institutions that fight corruption the opposition during the Meeting, they brought some substantive legislative amendment through Private Members Bill, but said was disappointed that the Government side shot down their motion.

“What we have deliberated in the various sittings of this Midyear Budget Meeting, has clearly revealed the depth of the sickness that needs a strong remedy: A revert to a drawing board of Malawi that we want for our youth, the elderly and the vulnerable groups. We must go back to the drawing board because the gap between the Haves and the Have nots is widening each passing day due to inequalities everywhere and our like of exhibiting strong moral standing in favor of what I would call Belly Politics." He said

"We have honorables who have shown that they put their Kwachas over the fundamentals of running an efficient corrupt free Government. This August House will continue to face challenges in its duties if one Arm of Government fails in its mandate to reconcile all developmental policies for the common good of Malawi. We need that big picture blueprint yesterday.

As opposition we shall continue to push for a comprehensive enactment of legislation that executive has sat on from 2007-2008 Law Commission recommendations to the more recent electoral reform recommendations so that all Malawians can win and have a better future. We shall not give in to despair nor discouragement. We shall fight on until genuine transformation development, democracy and dignity are entrenched tenets in our country.” vows Chakwera who commended members of House who uphold and continue to fight for Malawi that is progressive, non corruptive and morally secure

Kasaila

When moving a motion for adjournment of the House Sine Die, Leader of the House, Francis Kasaila also accused the opposition for their incessant use of hatred speeches.

In an interview, Kasaila said throughout the business of the House the opposition have tried ways of to bring problems in the House.

He specifically pointed out at the way Opposition attempted to proceed with Private Members business. He said there was clear evidence that the opposition had ill motive to pass a proposed amendment on Corrupt Practices Act on the Authority to appoint Anti Corruption Bureau Director General and his Deputy. He said the opposition failed attempt to curtail debate just after two members had contributed was undemocratic because they wanted to ambush Government side who at that particular time were very few.

"Bills needs more views and consultatins. But they did not want that" said Kasaila

He also said rejection of some of the budget votes during the Committee of Supply was not of the best interest to Malawians.

However, Kasala was quick to describe the meeting on the outset as “generally been a success” and thanked all members for their hard work and dedication.

He said the business was transacted as planned.

Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya said he was happy to note some improvements in the transaction of the business in the House and for cooperation and constributions

Highlights of the Meeting 

The meeting began on February 22, 2016 with Ministerial Statement by the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development on Food Situation in the Country. Other statements discussed during the Meeting were Statement on Drugs and Food situation in the Hospitals on 23 February, 2016 and Statement on Youth Development Initiative in Malawi on 23 February, 2016 but was concluded on 16th March 2016. But the meeting failed to discuss Ministerial Statement from Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare on Rising Cases of Violence against Older Persons in Malawi.

Minister of Finance delivered 2015-2016 Midyear Budget Review Statement on Friday 26 February 2016 and the House debate began on 29th February 2016 to 7th March 2016 after which the revised Midyear Budget estimates were considered by the Committee of Supply from Monday 7th March 2016 to Friday 11 March 2016 where all the votes were passed. Ultimately the House passed 2015-2016 Midyear Revised Budget with total sum of K902 billion.

A total of 39 out of 132 questions submitted to various Government Ministries were responded to by responsible Ministers. Some questions to the President were not taken by relevant Cabinet Ministers  who were delegated by the President as the legislatures demanded the President himself to respond to those questions.

On Bills, the House passed Metrology bill on 14th March 2016 and Appropriation Amendment which was passed on 14th March 2016. But Communications Bill is at Committee Stage.

Land bill, Physical Planning bill, Land Survey bill and Customary Land bill have been referred to Committees of Women Caucus, Legal Affairs, Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Due to limited time the following bills failed to be tabled.

1. Electronic Transactions (Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information and Communications to present a Report on the Bill.)
2. Payment Systems (The Budget Committee in the day already presented a report on the bill)
3. Access to Information
4. Forestry (Amendment)
5. Malawi Housing Corporation (Amendment N.2)
6. Registered Land (Amendment)
7. Public Roads (Amendment)
8. Land Acquisition
9. Local Government (Amendment)
10. International Fund for Agricultural Development (Programme for Rural Irrigation Development) Loan (Authorisation)

Opposition Defeated On Amendment Motion On ACB Appointments

The National Assembly has voted ‘no’ to amend the Act on the powers to appointment the Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General and his Deputy from President to the National Assembly for the interest of the bureau's independence.

Lilongwe South West, Peter Chakhwantha presented a drafted amendment of Section 5 (1) of the Corrupt Practices Act in which he was proposing that the appointment of both the Director and Deputy Director of ACB be done by the Public Appointments Committee of Parliament based on merit and through an open recruitment process and that the Director be reporting and answerable to Parliament through the Public appointments Committee.

During the roll call vote to determine if the House adopts the amendment following divisions of votes, saw Government defeating opposition with 82 votes to 75 votes and there were 34 absentees.

“Honorable members, this means that we can not continue with other processes of the bill. Therefore, the bill Amendment has been defeated” announced Richard Msowoya Speaker of the National Assembly just after the mover, Chakhwantha reported that his motion has been shutdown

The drafted amendment came in the House today after the House some few weeks ago had adopted the amendment motion following  a victory of 75 to 67 votes by Opposition during the division to determine if the mover of the motion, Chakhwantha, should be allowed to wind up the motion and ask the House to adopt it.

But but this time around, the defeat has greatly disappointed the Opposition as Leader of Opposition reacted immediately the House was suspended for lunch break

Chakwera shaking hands with President Mutharika

“We thought we Malawians, will be the winners but we have been denied that” reacts Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera in an interview further accusing Government of being “Chameleons” for changing their mind on fight against corruption as attested in this motion

While stating that their side does not consider this as a defeat, Chakwera said the battle will rage on with other motions and they will keep on fighting by bring more motions on various legislations in the House.

“They have been sitting on pieces of legislations that the Law Commission went around this country consulting and they do not want to bring it because they are afraid that the law will come after them but the long arm of the law will still come after them." He said

"It is not true that as a nation we should be telling Malawians this is what we will do if you vote for us and then when we are voted in, we decide to do the different. The reforms that they are championing have actually saying this is part of what they will do, and then to come back today and say we are not ready to do that, this country is not ready to fight corruption” said Chakwera

Lunguzi

Equally, Dedza East legislature, Juliana Lunguzi had expressed her disapointment in the House just after the motion was defeated 

“This being the House of records I want to register my disappointment that the country from the Government side has chosen to say yes to corruption” she lamented but this attracted boos from Government legislatures who also in their shouts, ordered her to resume her sit honorably

When tempers flared up following the boos, speaker, Richard Msowoya tried to put things to rest.

“The core processes of the bill has gone through, and as usual in any context one side wins the other side loses. And this has been the process if there was point in the process of the bill where you thought something procedurally went wrong you have the right to point it out but let’s not perpetrate this kind of discussion and scoring political points” said Msowoya

Throughout the general debate of the bill Government side continued to oppose the amendment of the section and it also defeated the Opposition by 76 to 73 votes during the division voting to determine if the House needed to curtail the debate to allow Chakhwantha to wind up the debate and propose that the House should adopt the drafted amendment bill.

Opposition PP, MCP Vary Opinion On Budget Reduction

Gondwe; Revised budget downwards

The two main opposition political parties in the National Assembly are holding varied views regarding the announced proposal to reduce the 2015/16 budget by K23.7 billion for the second half of the fiscal year.

People’s Party (PP) says the reduction of the approved budget of K929.7 billion will create more problems than solving them as Malawi Congress Party (MCP) welcome the move but only skeptical over promises that the country should expect good economic environment soon.

Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe announced on Friday in the National Assembly that Government has decided to revise downwards the 2015/16 budget for the upcoming second half of the fiscal year with cuts in some areas and prioritization on resources for important matters including food.

Finance spokesperson for PP in the National Assembly, Ralph Jooma said in an interview that it is sad to hear that Government would like to revise downwards the budget instead of asking the House to revise the budget upwards since the original budget value has been reduced by half due to devaluating local currency.

“We don’t welcome the reduction as PP, we should have been expecting an increase to total budget because the Malawi Kwacha has already lost its value.” He said 

PP is worried that original K930 billion budget passed in July was framed when Malawi Kwacha was pegged at K400 to a dollar. Now that Kwacha has depreciated by 100 percent where it is now being changed to a dollar at close to K800, the same amount can only pay half of the planned activities.

“Therefore we should have expected the Budget to be improved upwards in Malawi Kwacha if we are to achieve the objectives of this budget but coming here and say that the budget is being reduced even in Malawi Kwacha is a mockery and it is a disappointment to Malawians. What we expect is that people’s expectations will not be met, this budget will not achieve its objectives and it is a total waste of financial year for Malawian” said Jooma

Chakwera

However, Leader of Opposition Parties in Parliament and President of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Lazarus Chakwera gave thumbs up for the Minister decision to revise the budget downwards.

He said his party was happy to hear the Minister admitting in his statement that things are not well in this country and more money will be borrowed for hunger response.

The MCP President said some of the promises in the statement including on stabilizing economy were not new yet nothing is happening  “But you will recall that in the past they have given us this week this month’s; staff like that. They tell us that there is hope at the end of the tunnel, I hope it is not an oncoming trend”

“There is not much that is new really” Chakwera added

He continued; “The performance of this administration leaves a lot to be desired and so because of the past history it is kind of hard to tell that they are now telling us the truth. We will have to wait and see” 

Gondwe led into the chamber

Minister of Finance when delivering his statement on Friday did admit that the economy is still passing through turbulent times. 

“I regret that we have not yet established a stable macroeconomic environment in which low inflation and interest rates prevail, and where the variability of the exchange rate is narrow and predictable.” He said 

Gondwe informed the House that Inflation has stubbornly remained high since the shock devaluation of 2012, apart from a short period between May 2014 to April 2015 when inflation decelerated to 18.2 percent, thereafter it has kept on crawling up to 24.9 per cent in December 2015.

But he assumingly said last month’s decline of the rate of inflation to 23.5 percent is a welcome sign of light at the end of the tunnel. 

“In general however, the rate has remained high at an average of 23 percent during the period in question. In the circumstances, interest rates have also remained high, with the policy interest rate at the Reserve Bank of Malawi remaining for a long time at 25 percent, and lately increased further back to 27percent. In tandem, prime lending interest rates at commercial banks have also remained painfully high.” He noted

Gondwe then touched on the power of the local currency which is facing sharp decline against major trading currencies. He offered hope that the point of equilibrium for the exchange rate has been reached already since free floating exchange rate policy was adopted in May 2012 and “it is therefore expected that the rate should stabilise soon and those speculations that are perpetuating the depreciation should take note of this."

National Assembly Leadership Worried Over Absenteeism

Chakwera

Leadership from Government and the Opposition sides in the National Assembly has pleaded with legislatures to stop growing tendency of absconding daily business in the House.

The just ended First Meeting of 46th Session of National Assembly was characterized by absenteeism more especially from the Government side of the House.

Kasaila

Leader of Opposition Lazarus Chakwera in his remarks on Friday, before the House adjourned sine die emphasized that in future Meetings the House should rise above lack of respect and great absenteeism.

"Everyone contribution is important and we represent people out there and we want to be able to make sure that when the decisions are being made the whole House makes those decisions because everyone is participating." Said Chakwera in an interview 

The Opposition Leader also lamented the confusion and misinterpretation of the House Standing Orders. He therefore underlined the need for the House to strictly adhere to the Standing Orders and the Decorum standards in future Sessions.

He said; "We should adhere more to our own Standing Orders and where those orders need fine tuning Legal Affairs Committee are to be able to do that because we must maintain the fact that all time is for us and time is not only money time is holy. We must treat it the way it is. We will not pass through this time again, we need to serve Malawians the best we can with sacrifices if needed"

Chakwera had also in his speech proposed for full business day deliberations on Monday and Wednesdays to enable productive deliberations as most business continue to be left out.

Chakwera concerns on absenteeism were also echoed by Leader of the House, Francis Kasaila. He said; "We wished averyone was available the reason we come here is to represent our people from the constituencies that we are coming from."

He said full and daily participation of the business of the House is essential because members could have very good ideas and altenative views from their constituencies for Government consideration.

"Indeed if honorable member decides not to be available in the House what would mean is Government would not get that kind of advice and the views that are coming from that sector of the community. And that is very regretable" said Kasaila

While emphasising that absenteeisim must stop, Kasaila indicated that the House will continue to always encourage the membership of the House to prioritise the business of the House.

“I accept the apology and I will forgive and carryon”- David Bisnowaty

Lilongwe City Centre legislature, David Bisonwaty says has accepted apology from the Leader of Opposition and the Deputy Leader of the House, on the racism remarks made in the National Assembly on Thursday last week by some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislatures.

Leader of Opposition and President of Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Lazarus Chakwera and the Deputy Leader of the House, Kondwani Nankhumwa including Peoples Party (PP) offered a word of apology to David Bisnowaty over racism remarks from MCP legislatures.

“Mr Speaker Sir, nevertheless, I believe like most of you, that Malawians are loving and caring people. And like the Leader of Opposition said we have to forgive, forget and carryon, and therefore I accept the apology and I will forgive and carryon” said Bisnowaty

Before accepting the apology, Bisnowaty in his statement made a brief recounts of circumstances which made him become Malawian citizen.

“I want this House to understand also where I come from. I come from a family of who are all called survivors.  

I come from a family where my grandmother was the only survivor of the eleven brothers and sisters during the Nazi, Germany (atrocities). I come from a family where my mother was over a year stayed in a concentration camp, a family that was discriminated for being Jews. And that was their only crime.” Narrates Bisnowaty

He then said “Mr. Speaker Sir, to hear the sentiments in this August House, in this beautiful country where I spent many years of my life, where I gave my own citizenship to become a Malawi citizen I think it is not what I expected from anybody in this respectful House.

This House has to keep integrity, this house has to keep the law.” He said “And yes sometimes people don’t like what other members say in this House. But I believe in democracy and I believe that the member can have a right to say and that right should not be stopped and certainly should not be responded to by the color of that member or religion.

The parliamentarian said he went through the hansard to see what was said on that day and was ready at appropriate time to bring into the House the copies of what was said. He also wondered as to why some legislatures became so angry and outragious on remarks he never spoke ill of the father and founder of this nation Dr. Ngwazi Hastings Kamuzu Banda. Bisnowaty said he does not find any substance why some members reacted that much.

Malawians “expect us to set an example” PP on Racism Remarks

Nyalonje 

People’s Party (PP) has emphasized that National Assembly must set a good example of not discriminating against any person based on race or color.

Chakwera

The party made the remarks on Monday evening in the National Assembly when joining the Leader of Opposition and President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Lazarus Chakwera in apologizing and condemning the racism remarks uttered on Thursday in the house to Lilongwe City Centre legislature David Bisnowaty.

When adding its voice PP says is committed to observing non-racial approaches to development and non-racial approaches to everything that the house does.

Mzimba North legislature, Honorable Agnes Nyalonje who was speaking on behalf of the Leadership of the party in the House said Malawians expects no race but “they expect us to set an example.

“Indeed every party in this House subscribes to the concept of non-racial development because without racial unity we cannot have development. 

So for those reasons, we in the People’s Party would like very much to support the statement made by the leader of opposition and to condemn in no uncertain terms any expression of racism, any act of racism especially when such an act comes from the House such as this, where every Malawian has the right to expect leadership that cannot be doubted in any way.” Said Nyalonje

Nyalonje also hailed Chakwera for offering “sufficient apology of what was done” on Thursday evening where some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Legislatures caused disorder in the House by making racism remarks against Honorable David Bisnowaty.

Chakwera Apologize To Bisnowaty Over Racism Remarks From MCP MP’s

Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly and President of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Lazarus Chakwera made a statement on Monday evening offering a word of apology and condemn the racism remarks uttered in the house on Thursday last week to Lilongwe City Centre legislature David Bisnowaty.

Chakwera called for unity among members while reminding the House that everyone in the House is a Malawian entrusted with a role by Malawians to be their representative.

He warned his members not to use racism words because such words may cause dangerous repercussions to the country in future.

"In as much as one understands the intervention made by the Hon. Member of Lilongwe City Center, the instantaneous emotive responses from some members of the MCP can also be appreciated, particularly when one feels that a leader's economic policies to meet the needs of those he led are belittled and that leader is dead and cannot respond for himself. Its almost like someone insulting your father in your face and you are expected not to react." Said Chakera

He then condemned utterances that are deemed to demean or denigrate anyone in the chamber regardless of the perceived provocation saying MCP exists to promote development, help consolidate democracy and protect the dignity of every person.

"Our Founding President used to admonish all Malawians to live together in peace and harmony. He would especially single out those whose origin

and culture may be different from typical Malawian to be treated with respect. While many point to human rights abuses during the one party rule as a reason to haul insults on present day MCP, I appeal to all of us to be careful with the language we employ as fights can get started over very trivial matters as human history demonstrates." He said

"As a believer in Jesus Christ and a theologian cum politician, I can state that there is but one human race, regardless of the color of one's skin and/or cultural and religious beliefs. I believe, in forgiveness because I have been forgiven all my sins through the death of Jesus

Christ. I ask all Malawians everywhere and that includes the Hon. Member here to forgive the Malawi Congress Party of all past atrocities. I take responsibility as President of all the sins of my fathers." he said 

Chakwera then called members to focus on finding ways to move the country in the right direction and not waste time outwitting each other as to how best the furniture should be arranged "I personally believe that it is better to be hurt by the truth rather than to find comfort in lies." Added Chakwera

Chakwera needed to apologize because the racism remarks came from members of Parliament from MCP the party which he leads.

On Thursday some MCP legislatures called fellow legislature hon Bisnowaty 'foreigner' when he made a comment in the House on food situation during late Hastings Kamuzu Banda founder and father of Malawi who also was President for MCP.

Nankhumwa

Deputy Leader of the House Hon Kondwani Nankhumwa said the insults were both unfortunate and discriminatory to the choice of people of Lilongwe City Centre Constituency.

Joining him, People’s Party (PP) through Honorable Agnes Nyalonje while praising the Leader of Opposition for offering “sufficient apology of what was done” said PP committed to observe non-racial approaches to development.

Nyalonje condemned in no uncertain terms any act and expression of racism, and called every party in the House to subscribe to the concept of non-racial development because without racial unity Malawi cannot have development. 

Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Maowoya said he ordered deletion of the remarks from the Hansard immediately the matter was brought to his attention.

While bemoan with the recent trend of slurs even directed at the chairmanship of the House Msowoya noted that although members are protected and are supposed to uphold freedom of speech members should make responsible language in the House. 

Accepting the apology David Bisnowaty said never expected from anybody in such a respectful House and in the beautiful country where he has spent many years and where he gave his own citizenship to become a Malawi citizen to make racism sentiments against him.

In an interview, the only cabinet minister who was present in the house when remarks were being said, Grace Chiumia said racism remarks are uncalled for and needs to stop.

She said people settling in the country are contributing immensely to the development of the country through their businesses that are creating job to youths.