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.

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.”

MCP, PP Response To SONA Today: Inside MCP Response

Chakwera to respond to Mutharika speech 

Leaders of Opposition Parties will this afternoon respond to State of the National Address (SONA) by President Peter Mutharika delivered on Friday when opening the Budget Meeting for 2016/2017.

With immediate reactions the parties made through media just after Mutharika had finished speaking, expectations are high that both Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and Peoples Party (PP) will be full of critics. 

PP acting President, Uladi Mussa described Mutharika’s “Towards Recovery and Sustainable Social Economic Development” titled speech as repetition of old promises of development projects and lacked pertinent issues.

Similarly, honorable Jessie Kabwila, spokesperson for MCP says as their president Dr. Lazarus Chakwera is expected to respond this afternoon, MCP believes Mutharika speech was full of concessions that he has failed.

“It was good to hear him concede that growth has not gone according to the way they had said it will grow.” Observed Kabwila, “I think the speech was full of concessions of how life is difficult for the poor Malawian.”

President Mutharika speech admitted that due to bad weather conditions, Malawi economy failed to grow from projected 5.4% and went down to 3.1 in 2015 with inflation remaining high at 21.8 from projected decline of 16.4.

He however, he expressed hope that in 2016/2017 financial year economy is expected to register real GDP growth rate of 5.1% with inflation going down to 19.8%. He added that Malawi economy is slowly stabilizing due to austerity measures and fiscal policies that are in place and was optimistic that Malawi will do better and is gradually weaning itself from donor dependency.

“Where the speech comes short is on solutions.” She added then wondered “What are they planning to do to sort out this mess?”

Kabwila also observed that the State of National Address failed to articulate to their satisfaction on ending hunger in this country and she said that disappoints her party “that believes in the food security.”

“The State of the National Address was very economical with the truth when it came to focus on hunger.  I think it pussyfooted on the issue of hunger, it handled the issue of hunger with kid gloves. Actually, it went to the point of not telling the truth because we know people died of hunger.” She lamented disclosing that “In my own constituency [Salima North West] people had died”

She went on; “When I look at the State of National Address the major gap stands on the issue of hunger. However the leader of Opposition Right Honorable Dr. Lazarus Chakwera shall be responding in full on Monday.”

Honorable Kabwila concluded that in her own analysis, Mutharika speech “was very economical with the truth, it actually grossed over the hunger that we are going through, it grossed over the health crisis that Malawi is facing, the education sector is in a crisis, we know fees have just been introduced the universities are in disarray but he did not focus on that.”

Opposition Angered By Pres. Mutharika Little Details On Addressing Albino Killings

Mutharika: said little on albino attacks

Opposition parties in Parliament have expressed their disappointment over President Peter Mutharika’s failure to give more details of how Government intends to fight against attacks and killings of people with albinism.

Both People’s Party (PP) and the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) concurred in separate interviews that the issue of albino attacks is a national crisis and therefore President Mutharika should have spent time in his State Of National Address explaining more about this problem.

In his speech titled “Towards Recovery and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development” President Mutharika touched on the issue of barbaric attacks of people with albinism when highlighting various support the Government made in 2015/16 financial year to disability and eldery.

He said Government undertook an investigative study to establish the root cause of attacks and killing of persons with albinism is some selected districts and that some cases have been speedily prosecuted and some suspects convicted by courts.

He then indicated that Government will in the next financial year intensify awareness campaign on the rights and welfare of people with disability, review the 1911 Witchcraft Act among others.

"We will ensure that our security institutions continue to work with relevant stakeholders in the protection of the rights of persons living with albinism, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups" he assured later in his State of National Address 

However, opposition Parties are of the view that the President could have said more about this problem.

Mussa

Acting President for PP Uladi Mussa who described the Statement as a repetition of promises and that there was nothing new, expressed his disappointment that President Mutharika failed to provide clear details of how his Government intends to address the barbaric attacks of people with albinism.

“It is our worry as opposition, that we have seen there is nothing on the protection of people with albinism in this country.” Lamented then also singled out issues of secondary school fees hike, status of gay marriages issues and user fees in hospitals as some of the key issues that could have been articulated in the speech

“We thought that the President will give much emphasis on irrigation because the only way of dealing with our hunger situation is through irrigation, but the president has only mentioned about already existing [irrigation systems] saying Government would like to maintain them and not really that the big share of the budget will go for the irrigation in order to deal with hunger situation in the country” noted Mussa

“There is nothing new, it is a repetition, it is a song, it is like a campaign messages we have heard from this State of National Address.” he concluded

Eisenhower

Equally, the Malawi Congress Party Deputy Secretary General, Eisenhower Mkaka reacted, “We feel that the President could have said more on the issue of albino killings, attacks and exhumations of their bodies from graves but what has been said I think it is not enough”

He added that “It is worrisome” that the president did not give much importance to the issue which their party and Malawians regards “a crisis” that requires concerted efforts.

But, the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo observed that though there wasn’t much from President on ending albino attacks, however, much is being done on the ground to address the problem citing the recent president meeting with APAM [Association of People with Albinism] an institution that is driving and representing the people with albinism and strong statements from Minister of Home Affairs as well as Inspector General of Police.

“So I don’t think that there was no direct reference to people with albinism in the statement” he said, “Because there was direct reference to human rights in general, there was also direct reference to protecting the most vulnerable in the society and there was also direct reference to persons with albinism”

But she stressed that in view of strong pronouncements being made on the attacks and killings of persons with albinism with the help of the recommendations recently made by the UN independent expert on people with albinism and the existing Government Response Plan on Persons with Albinism, “the focus should now be to build on that and implementation of that response plan.”

Seppo further stressed provision of adequate funding to the Department of Disability for it to implement the Response Plan and that she is obviously waiting for Minister of Finance Honorable Goodall Gondwe Budget Statement next week on how it is going to allocate for the response to albino attacks.

“The Department of disability is an underfunded department in an underfunded ministry so it is challenging and there is need to be kind of action across the Government in terms of trying to fund implementation of the Response Plan. And again there is need have very senior levels championing these issues” she emphasized

But she further commended action taken by President Mutharika in terms of meeting with APAM and some of the statements by ministries saying they are “very encouraging.”

Kabwila, Chakhwantha Bail Bond Extended: Fears Treason Case

Malawi Police have left two Malawi Congress Party (MCP) legislatures, Jessie Kabwila and Peter Chakhwantha in panic after informing them on Friday that their bail bond has been extended to 18th March 2016.

As a condition to their bail, Salima North-west legislature Kabwila and Lilongwe South-West legislature, Chakhwantha on Friday appeared at Area 30 Police Headquarters and were left gob-smacked to hear that their bail has been extended and should appear again to Police on 18th March. 

MCP supporters on Monday evening following
Kabwira arrest

Kabwila, spokesperson for MCP and Chairperson for Women Caucus in Parliament was arrested on Monday on her way to Germany Embassy to seek asylum while Chakhwantha, Chairperson of Legal Affairs Committee of Parliament surrendered himself to Police on Tuesday and were both charged with treason over Whatsapp conversation. However, Inspector General of Police Lexten Kachama on Wednesday clarified that the two were only called for cautioning and were never charged with any offense.

The two legislatures said they are surprised that Director of Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has contradicted Police IG’s earlier statement regarding the arrests by extending their bail.

“We waited there for an hour then we were ushered into the office of the Director of the CID, it is where we got the shock of our lives where they told us that they are going to extend our bail bond to 18th March the very same day this House (National Assembly Meeting) will be rising.” Explains Chakhwantha

Chakhwantha reacted that the extension of this bail is a confirmation that Police would like to pursue Treason case against them

“This is something very strange because we understand that the IG had told the nation that we were never arrested and we are not on any charge so far, so by way of extending the bail bond we take it that legally what he said is has been contradicted by his own junior officers. 

By the extension of this bail bond we deem that we are indeed were formally charged and we are under arrest and as we are, we are suspects” said Chakhwantha waiting to hear what would be the next step by Police on 18th March

On her part, Kabwila expressed concern that these charges are preventing them from attending to important matters in National Assembly citing Friday as an example whereby as they were at Area 30, the House was listening to Minister of Finance presenting Midyear budget statement.

“You hear Police IG stating that there is no case and hear Area 30 Police saying we are extending your bail, so we don’t understand as who is telling the truth.” Reacted Kabwila

Kabwila said the bail extension is Government plan to keep them off from talking about the hunger in this country.

“To tell the truth what this is all about is trying to keep Malawi Congress Party quite because people know that what Malawi Congress Party has been saying that this Government has not handled the hunger that we kept on saying is looming for so long. And it is not by accident that we had to go and do this bail on the day that Minister of Finance was presenting his estimates and we missed that.” She said

The Case will cost public money 

Kabwila warned that their arrests will costs Malawians tax because at the end the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) will compensate them just like it is planning to do with the ‘July 20 victim’ families. 

“DPP Government seems to be bent on misusing taxpayer’s money because they are paying people for mistakes they did and now look at what they are doing to us. This is also another self inflicted pain on the state. We don’t have resources, why should we have a Government that is so good at making mistakes and costing the public money, now they are even costing public its legislatures.” Said Kabwila who described DPP government as clueless and the charges are ridiculous 

The two MP's also said their appearance at Area 30 Police Headquarters was violation of assurance of Legislatures immunity and privileges as made in the National Assembly by Leader of House Francis Kasaila that Police will follow procedures that are established as to how they can deal with members of Parliament once found on the other side of the law.

“What is happening now is that, apart from that commitment, the IG also came in the open and said there are no charges. And today behind the back of the speaker, they call his children to Area 30 and extend the bail bonds. This is where we are saying something very fishy is being cooked up and we are saying this Government does not even care whether there would be consequences in terms of monetary compensations at the end of the day as they have already demonstrated that they are now currently paying the 20 July victims with Millions of money’s. So what will happen to us?” asked Chakhwantha 

But Kabwila said their arrests means police are getting orders from politicians and that DPP Government does not believe in independence of institutions

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."

Kabwila Out On Bail: Charged With Treason

Malawi Congress Party MCP top official and Legislature for Salima North West, Jessie Kwabwila has been released on Police bail at Kanengo Police station after spending night at the station over treason charges.

Kabwira is expected to appear before police on 26th February.

The arrest on Monday evening in city centre near Germany embassy happened just after she had attended to the first sitting of the National Assembly meeting.

Kabwila was going to the embassy to seek asylum but this was later after Peter Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy premises where he is as asylum seeker to escape arrest following Whatsapp conversation.

The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges. 

MPC legislatures and supporters went to Kanengo Police station to demand the release of Kabwila however, police granted her bail last night but was released this Tuesday morning at 06:00 hours.

Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said he was disappointed with Police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the end of ongoing meeting of National Assembly they went ahead with plans to arrest the two.

Below is part of the Whatsapp conversation

27/01/2016, 21:25 –+265 998 58 24 45: What are we doing as MCP to deal with this stupid DPP administration and its president? In the last dpp regime, things were bad but we made Malawians to fight back. This time we seem to be normativising these deadly failures.

29/01/2016, 03:26 –+265 999 54 44 70: Kaya aMalawi kupusaku kunachokera pati eish! The DPP is messing up big time and we all seem Ok

27/01/2016, 21:59 –+44 7963 139218: I presume Diaspora movement should kick start it then the Nation will follow but it’s not easy for MCP as a party to start something, I know the consequences but let the masses do the job, they just need a starting point. Then everyone else will be ok board, these people are suffering and can react so quick.

29/01/2016, 04:18 –+1 (404) 617-9530: APM can be taken down, just using The Mubarrack Egypt style nkupita ku nyumba yathu, Kamuzu Palace osachoka iyayi, atha kukomokera momo ataona kalikiliki panja anthu atalusa ndithu

27/01/2016, 22:02 –+44 7754 944607: Does not opposition have youths who are fearless to tackle the issue head on?

27/01/2016, 22:08 –+265 998 58 24 45: We have youth, pp also has them . I think it 7th a matter of structuring, defining exactly what has to be done, well timed, not reactive, apologetic or too careful, logical etc. Rather, some organised chaos chipping at the elephant from all corners till it falls, all hands on Dec

27/01/2016, 22:09 –+44 7963 139218: We have the youth in opposition but legally any uprising started by opposition result in treason cases, let’s use the people. I believe if Malawians start it, MCP is ready to take care of them, there might be differences but even those starting this know the potential and opportunities that lies ahead.

29/01/2016, 01:48 –+1 (404) 617-9530: Pita ndiofunikatu kukamuchotsaku ku Kamuzu Palace yathu. Nyumba yathu imeneyi ngati anspangira Mubarrack in Egypt

29/01/2016, 06:14 –+44 7969 216335: But if a small group can pull out a campaign kunena Kuti sitichoka ku city centre till atatulapansi udindo I’m sure people can join in.

29/01/2016, 06:17 –+265 999 54 44 70: As MCP we were supposed to take advantage of all this mess and play it from the background

28/01/2016, 22:00 –+265 996 24 30 27: I entirely agree with you, me too wonder- why we are not ticking and get necessary backing. Few of us had/have careers elsewhere but opted to join liberation movement. Alas its business as usual. Ask JK and myself. Even in parliament, we don’t get the support we need to get this DPP down

29/01/2016, 06:43 –+265 998 58 24 45: I used to think joining politics would give me a chance to be more active, use my activistvoice with those of others but what I have seen is speaking out, walking in the streets has earned me the title waphuma ameneuja,the bulk of those I stand with prefer apologetic so called calculated politics. I’m an activist and do not apologise for my belief in people power. I must say, I’m reaching a point where it seems I belong more to my classroom where my phuma led in defeating bingu, it gets frustrating to be in a party everyone wantsand is looked up but it is afraid of its own power, I feel like a person dying of thirst when I’m in a river. Me and my phuma seem to belong elsewhere.

29/01/2016, 06:44 –+265 999 54 44 70: Zimatopetsadi JK

Kabwila Arrested: To Spend Night At Kanengo Police As Chakhwantha Seek Asylum At Germany Embassy

MCP supporters and MPs at
Area 30 Police Headquarters 

MPs discussing next move \after
Overpowering police 

Member of Parliament and top official from opposition Malawi Congress Party Jessie Kabwila has been arrested by Police while another parliamentarian and top member of the party Peter Chakhwantha is to spend nights at Germany Embassy where he is as an asylum seeker.

Police vehicle was seen
hidden parked
outsidParliament building after clashes with MPs

Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in hiding following reports alleging the two together with other members of MCP were involved in Whatsapp conversation strategising ways to overthrow Peter Mutharik Governmnet.

Police mounted roadblock at parliament building after reports spread that the two are out from their hiding and were inside attending the National Assembly deliberations.

Both Kabwila and Chakhwantha were in the day attending the first day National Assembly deliberations meeting which have began on Monday afternoon.

Kabwila was attempting to enter Germany Embassy when Police intercepted her at Tourism offices in City Centre just steps away to the Germany Embassy. Her arrest came few minutes after Chakhwantha had successfully entered the embassy house.

The arrest came just after Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security had assured the House that legislatures should not be afraid of the roadblocks mounted outside the parliament building when speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya asked the minister to assure the House that members will not be intimidated and arrested when coming and leaving the building.

The speaker requested the assurance from the Minister following a concern from Lilongwe Msodzi South legislature, Hon Vitus Dzoole Mwale who informed the House that “We are under siege”

Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security Jean Kalirani said “What I am aware is that there is visibility of police around the country and is very important. I would like to assure you Honorable Speaker Sir, that there is nothing to fear if you have done nothing wrong.”

Immediately when the deliberations were adjourned to Tuesday, angry opposition MPs led by MCP members wrestled with Police outside the Parliament Building and successfully dismantled their roadblock. 

Legislatures then were seen in discussions and agreed to go to Area 30 Police Headquarters upon hearing rumors that Kabwila was there.

At Area 30, opposition MPs together with Malawi Congress Party supporters held protests outside the gate of the Police headquarters. They prevented any vehicle from entering or leaving the place and a driver suspected to be one of the senior police officers was about to be manhandled by the angry party supporters when he attempted to drive his vehicle and pass the through the gate.

Gustave Kaliwo

30 minutes later, the protesters left the place for Kanengo Police Station when Police informed MCP Secretary General, Gustave Kaliwo that  Kabwila was being detained there.

The two have been hunted by police following Whatsapp conversation allegedly bearing their phone numbers and of some MCP officials discussing ways to oust Peter Mutharika Government. However, police on Sunday failed to arrest them because they were nowhere to be seen. But they successfully managed to arrest Ulemu Msungama who is now on police bail over similar charges. 

Gustave Kaliwo, MCP secretary General said was disappointed with police that after being assured not to arrest the two until the 2nd Meeting Of 46th Session of National Assembly was over had went on with plans to arrest the two.

He described Kabwila arrest as political.

National Assembly Resolution Stoping Secondary, University Fees Hike Ends In Legal Dilema

The National Assembly on Thursday moved a motion stopping the new fees regime in Secondary Schools and Universities.

However, it remains uncertain if the decision is likely to take effect due to legality of the action and its acceptance by the Government Executive.

Salima Central legislature, Felix Jumbe made proposal that the House resolves postponement of recently announced fees hike in Secondary schools and Universities since the majority in rural areas cannot afford them due to current economic problems. 

"Considering that the majority, especially those in the rural areas are facing economic hardships responding to the poor macro-economic situation, the House resolves that school fees hike for both Secondary and Universities be postponed until Government endeavors to improve the income per capita of the people”  said Jumbe when moving the motion.

Several members who contributed on the floor from opposition side including Jessie Kabwila said the hiking of fees is likely to undermine girls education. She said it was wrong to introduce such fees in the year people are facing hunger. She therefore maintained that this will encourage prostitution among girls from poor families and early pregnancies, increase in school dropouts.

Kabwila further said this fruastrates government efforts of promoting girl child education and empowerment because most of the rural households cannot afford current exorbitant of fees.

Machinga East legislature Esther Jolobala described the hiking of fees at this time as “most horrible Christmas package” and that government was blind when making the decision.

Jolobala "blind government" remarks were withdrawn when the Speaker considered them as unparliamentary even if she used them figuratively. Her remarks also stunned government bench where the independent legislature is seats. However, in her introductory remarks had indicated that she was going to speak what is good for Malawians and not because of which side in the House she belongs to.

Later the house made a resolution that there be postponement of the hiking of fees but with much opposition by Government bench.

In an interview, Salima Central legislature, Felix Jumbe said the decision means Government will have to postpone the hiking of fees at this time being a year the country is facing numerous problems.

“We are not saying that the Government should not increase but for this year they need to postpone until the economic situation of the people has improved." He said 

"Poverty is ruling this country, there is dire poverty which is visible everywhere you go. Majority of household have no means to make money, it is difficult even to get K5 thousand. People are struggling even to get maize from ADMARC depots.

In my constituency for example at Mtonga Market, I found a queue of people with small plates in their hands waiting to buy maize and this maize they are waiting to buy is only a 2kg. and these are people buying 2kg they are six in their family but they don’t have money. And now can we say pay school fees? That would be like we are bringing second colonialism to these people and this colonialism by fellow African. And that is why we are saying please postpone the hike of school fees.” Said Jumbe

However, this is different from how Government views the decision. 

Leader of House, Francis Kasaila maintains the debate was unlawful as the House in its resolution has decided to override laws that are outside it mandate.


He said to say that the House has postponed the fees regime will "depends" on ones interpretations on that. "The question are that, does the House have mandate to decide how much for example the Catholic University supposed to be charging? Do they have their own mandate which guides that? Similarly we have a lot of private schools in the country, Kamuzu Academy for example. Can the Assembly decide how much Kamuzu Academy should be charging? These are questions that have to be answered.

Probably lawyers will do their work to   and decide whether this is enforceable or not” said Kasaila

Although Kasaila said the resolution will be considered by the President and its cabinet after thorough consultation but said could not determine what would be a likely decision.


He even questioned legality of brining the motion in the House

“All the standing orders were violated. It is very clear that a motion according to standing orders, was supposed to be debated by the Business Committee first before it is presented in the House. That was not done.

I don’t believe the speaker has powers to vary any of our standing orders own his own. That was supposed to be done in the Chamber. A motion should have been put to say we want to vary this because it did not meet this requirement that was not done but they decided to proceed. 

What was done was all irregular” Said Kasaila

“Unfortunately we know, because of politics people want to be seen that they stand for the poor " He added

This matter faced rejection by Government MP’s and several attempts to bar the motion already appearing on the Order Paper from being discussed were made by the Leader of House, Francis Kasaila who insisted that the matter was brought illegally and was never authorized by the Business Committee of the House.

To the contrary, the matter was well received by two major opposition parties in the House PP and MCP who insisted to debate although it was brought with immediate notice since it was a matter of urgency.

Ealier to end the matter, Second Deputy Speaker Clement Chiwaya resolved that Business Committee of the House should meet and suspended proceedings.

Back from the emergency meeting, Kasaila insisted before Speaker Richard Msowoya that Government was against the debate on the motion citing that apart from irregularities over how the issue was brought, the Houses was also not mandated to decide on school fees for private institutions as the motion did not specific that the matter was for only Public schools.

Although the speaker to ruled that the matter be discussed but Justice and Constitution Affairs Minister Samuel Tembenu did indicate and insisted that the matter was outside constitutional mandate of the House to debate on the issue which was clear that the authority to decide on school fees vests in the bodies of the schools as stipulated in the Act and regulations that govern the Schools.

National Assembly Authorises Borrowing From OPEC, ADB For Mzimba Water Project

The National Assembly passed on Tuesday afternoon two loan bills for the Mzimba Integrated Urban Water and Sanitation Project.

The House authorises OPEC Fund for International Development Loan worth K8 billion whose payment plan is 20 years and within it is 5 year grace period with 1% of interest per year.

Later, the House was presented with another Loan Authorisation Bill amounting to K2.7 billion (US$ 2.6 Million) from African Development Bank for the same Project whose payment plan is 40 yeas with 10 years grace period.

Goodall 

Presenting the bill, Minister of Finance, Goodall Gondwe said the project will be implemented for a period of 4 years, to cost a total sum of US$22. 8 million and will be co-financed by OPEC, African Development Bank (ADB) and Government.

He said OPEC is providing 65% of the total cost, ADB will provide 22% while Government is expected to make 13% contribution.

While supporting the bill, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) shadow Minister of Finance, Alexander Kusamba Dzonzi expressed disappointment the borrowed money is not enough to completely end water problems for Mzimba district. 

Dzonzi said MCP would have loved to see government borrow US$55 Million which is actual amount that is required to Carter water challenges in Mzimba 

Racists Remarks Deleted From Hansard, Speaker Calls For Responsible Language In The House

Msowoya 

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya said the racism remarks which were uttered by some Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Members of Parliament on Thursday last week have been deleted from the records of the House.

Msowoya was speaking when concluding the racism matter in the House.

“Honorable Members, I just want to bring to the attention of this House that following the remarks that the Leadership of the House has referred to, the matter was brought to my attention the following morning and at that moment I immediately ordered that all racist remarks be deleted from the Hansard. That they should not form part of the record of what had transpired in this House.” Said Msowoya

“I also did comfort the member for the pain he might have felt the previous day.” Added the Speaker

To hon Bisnowaty, the Speaker said; “Honorable member for Lilongwe City Centre, I know as well as you do, there are so many members here who believe in Christianity and Jesus Christ our Lord was a Jew” ended the Speaker

He then asked members of parliament to use words that are acceptable in the House.

“Suffice to say, honorable members that although you are protected and although you are supposed to uphold your human rights, your freedom of speech as enshrined in our laws, I as the chair and on behalf of my fellow speakers I would like to call upon responsible language in this House. 

Am saying this in view of the fact that of late there has been slurs even directed at the chairmanship of the House. There has been slurs that has been directed on the opposite side of the House. And am saying to honorable members that let us exercise responsible language.” Said Msowoya 

“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.