Parliament To Meet Early In 2017: House Adjourns Sine Die Today

The Malawi National Assembly is expected to meet much earlier next year possibly in February to allow the House do away with the business which could not be finished during the Meeting which has come to an end today.

Confirmed; National Assembly Meeting Extended

Msowoya announced the extension of time 

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya and Leader of House, George Chaponda have finally confirmed that the house will continue meeting up until Friday next week.

House Adjourned With Drama

Kalindo started it 

Having passed the Anatomy Act Amendment bill on Thursday, the Malawi National Assembly adjourned to this Friday morning in a very dramatic way.

Immediately after Anatomy Amendment was passed, Hon. Bon Kalindo, rising on point order requested the Speaker to ask Minister of Transport and Public Works on issues happening at Road Traffic Department. 

But before he could finish informing the Speaker of what exactly is happening at the department, Speaker, Richard Msowoya interrupted the legislator to correct him that what he was bringing in the House was not Point of Order. This made the members to laugh 

Legislatures Wants Pres. Mutharika Back To House To Take Questions

Kamlepo

Some legislatures on Monday vent their anger out to Speaker, Richard Msowoya for letting President Peter Mutharika leave the Parliament Chamber without taking questions from members.

Legislatures argued that it is constitution requirement that after president present State of Nation Address, members are supposed to put questions to president which was not the case on Friday last week.

However, Speaker, Richard Msowoya clarified that the Business Committee agreed and resolved that such requirement will be practiced in the House once Committee on Legal Affairs consolidate the provision into the Parliamentary Standing Orders.

He further informed the House that his office has requested the Legal Affairs Committee to act quickly in coming up with the provision into the Standing Orders.

Rumphi East Legislature, Kamlepo Kalua was the first to ask the Speaker why Mutharika walked out freely without being asked on several issues after delivering his State of National Address.

Uladi Mussa Acting President and Leader of PP in Parliament stood to confirm to the House that indeed him as PP leader who was in the Business Committee agreed with the rest of members of the Committee and made it clear that the member [Kamlepo] who is also from PP was informed about this development, however, the member was free to ask because by Constitution the member "is entiled to his own opinion”

Rising for the second time on Point of Order, Rumphi East, Kamlepo Kalua noted that he had earlier on advanced on the constitutional issue and that the Speaker made clarification. But he said looking at the supremacy of the Constitution and “uniqueness of our Constitution” he feel that the constitution cannot be substituted by any act of law or standing order of anything.

Quoting section 5 of Constitution Kamlepo said “Any Act of Government or any Law that is in consistent with the provision of this constitution shall, to the extent of such in constituency be invalid and for me to be told and to be part of raping the constitution I want to make my case clear that this should be respected and at all cost this should be a driving force of our democracy in this country.”

Responding speaker said himself and not anybody or committee has in any way substituted the constitution in this case “All that is required is that constitutional provisions in way of operationalising this house we do require procedures, and, that come in form of Standing Orders and that is what I explained."

But the Kasungu South East, legislature Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda came in to emphasize that this issue is a constitutional requirement and does not require that the provision should be in the Standing Orders.

Listening to this, Speaker directed members not satisfied with  reponse provided earlier, to consult their party Leaderships who form Business Committee.

“I am in no way protecting the president. I understand it as a constitutional matter. All am saying is if it is the a greement of the House that the President Comes here as provided for in the Constitution let us agree on the modalities of how that happens.  I have no problem.” said Msowoya

Later in an interview, Kasungu South East, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda quoted section 89, Subsection 3 which outline three things that President shall address Parliament on State of National Address which happened on Friday, then report on policies of the previous year and to respond to questions.

“The President is supposed to do three things and these three things” stressed Kandondo

She said this requirement is not appearing in Parliamentary Standing Orders because it is already provided for in the Constitution which is a supreme document.

She then said issue of following Standing Orders which Committee on Legal Affairs is working on can come in through section 4 which talks about inviting President into the House after resolution of the House.

“But what we are saying now is part of what he [President] was supposed to be doing according to constitution” she said 

“What we are saying basically is, Mr. President you are supposed to do three things, but you have just addressed one of them can he come back and do the rest of them. And that is to articulate on previous polices from previous year and then answer questions. That is all.” emphasized Kandodo

She said the issue will continue 

“We do not have a choice we go by this constitution, this is what guides every Malawian even this House and this House is not above this [constitution] so we will continue reminding each other and definitely this is not the end of the issue.”

“Dress Traditional On Friday” Idea Goes To Parliament: Business Committee In Consultations

The President Peter Mutharika’s idea to dress traditional every Friday has now made its way through the National Assmbly doors but it may stay on hold until consultations are finalised and approved.

Speaker, Richard Msowoya announced today that the idea was brought into the recent meeting of Business Committee that legislators should also start to wear local clothes every Friday.

Mutharika made directive during the launch of Best Buy Malawi Strategy that Malawians should start to put on the traditional attire every Friday as one way of promoting local fashion industry.

Mutharika himself, senior Government officials and others in civil service now follows this directive.

Men are allowed to dress this way in Parliament 

Every Friday they will be seen dressing
completely different 

However, this idea may possibly take long to make it into chambers of Parliament because tradition and practice require all Members, male or female, to dress in contemporary business attire that is; male Members wear a jacket, shirt and tie as standard dress.

So this is possibly why the Business Committee has resolved to consult before allowing members to put on African dresses in the House.

“I wish to inform the House that the Business Committee resolved that there was need for the National Assembly to consult further on the matter.” Noted Speaker, Richard Msowoya in part of his announcement about the development, “In this regard it was resolved that meanwhile the dress code as prescribed by our standing orders should be maintained”

Most Female legislators like Hon. Nyalonje 
have been putting on traditional dresses

Female MPs in this picture shows they are already 
into Buy Malawi idea unlike male Legislators

If this will be allowed, Men will basically be the ones to be asked to put on local designs on Friday's because although female legislators adhere to Parliamentary dress code, their dresses are mostly local designs.

Assented Bills and Business For the Budget Meeting 

Metrology, Appropriation Bills Assented By President Mutharika

Speaker of the National Assembly has informed the House today that two bills that were passed during the last Meeting of the National Assembly were assented by President Peter Mutharika last months.

"The bills were assented by State President Professor Peter Mutharika on 24th April 2016 and were published in the Gazette on 29th April 2016, effectively making them to be Acts of Parliament” he said 

He said the bills are Bill No. 2 of 2015 - Metrology which has been published as an Act No. 10 of 2016 and Bill No. 13 of 2016 - Appropriation Amendment which has been published as an Act of No. 11 of 2016.

The speaker continued to announce the resolutions of the Business Committee which met on Thursday 19th May, 2016 on the Business for the program for the 2016/2017 Budget Meeting of Parliament.

He said starting this week 1 of the meeting, from Monday 23rd May, 2016 to Friday 27th May, 2016 the House will spend five days debating on the motion on State of National Address which President Mutharika delivered when opening the meeting and on Friday at 10:45 hours the debate will be curtailed with winding up remarks by the legislator [Lilongwe City South East, Bentley Namasasu] who moved the motion today. 

Then on Tuesday, (tomorrow) Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development will present a Ministerial Statement on the Food Situation.

“Immediately after winding up debate on the President Speech, the House will be suspended and will reconvene at 2 O’clock in the afternoon for the Budget Presentation by Minister of Finance in this House. This means that the Minister of Finance will present his budget statement on Friday, 27th May from 2 o’clock in the afternoon.” Confirmed the Speaker

He said second and third weeks that is from Monday 30th May, 2016 to Friday 10th June 216 will be a Committee work for Budged Scrutiny. While from week four and five, from Monday 13th June, 2016 to Friday 24th June 2016 Opposition Spokespersons on Finance and Chairperson of Budget Committee will make their responses to the Budget. Debate on budget will be curtailed 24th June for the minister to wind up the debate. But the questions for oral replies will start on 14th June and bills and all other businesses including reports will be discussed during the same period. 

Week 6 from Monday 27th June to Friday 1st July 2016 the House will commence the Committee of Supply and it is being planned that the budget will be passed on Thursday 30th June, 2016 while on Friday 1st July will be passing of all budget related bills.

The seventh week which is the final week of the meeting, from Monday 4th July to Friday 8th July the House will deliberate on all remaining businesses such as bills and statements and reports and on Friday the House will adjourn Sine Die.

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)

Malawi National Assembly Consults “Green Knesset” On Environmental Friendly Tech

Malawi legislatures pose with Mr. Plot
(Third from left front row)

The Malawi National Assembly is consulting the Israel Parliament (Knesset), ‘Worlds Greenest Parliament’, to assist in establishment of efficient green technologies that would save huge sums of money used for some of its operations. 

Knesset is championing the environmental and sustainability project called “Green Knesset” which is attracting global attention as many countries are visiting Israel to learn how Knesset is saving water, paper and reducing energy consumption.

Mr. Plot (left) and Mr Chayen

A delegation led by Mr. Ronen Plot, Director General of the Knesset, and Dr. Samuel Chayen, Sustainability Coordinator for Green Knesset Project is in the country to educate its counterpart on how adopting ideas of Green Knesset Project may considerably save its annual operational costs.

Msowoya

Speaking on Wednesday at the opening of the workshop for the legislatures and head of departments on the Green Parliament and the Organization of Knesset, Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly, Richard Msowoya said considering the economic hardships and unfavorable climatic conditions the country is going through, there is need to consult Knesset on ways that Malawi Parliament can do to save some of its operational costs and conserve environment.

"At this time we need a good partner from whom we can learn a lot" said Msowoya

The Speaker said Malawi Parliament wants to reduce amount of energy, water and paper that it uses as well to transition from manual operation of other business to digital. He said transaction of daily business in the House requires more papers to print various documents including Order Paper and that it is time consuming to do 'roll call' voting during division. He therefore said Israel Parliament is the best in this area because of its well known ‘Green Knesset Project’ and can provide expertise to implement digital voting in the House.

“The first thing that we are looking at is establishing or moving towards creating our Parliament to be green. We are looking at very few items; one is the reduction of energy that we consume, second is to limit the amount of paperwork that we have in processing Parliamentary business." Explains Msowoya in an interview 

“And Israel has been voted one of the greenest Parliament in the World and the good thing about Malawi is that the Knesset is willing to work with us providing technical assistance for us to move to that direction.” He said 

Msoyowa expressed hope saying he is convinced that adopting the Green Knesset Project is a step in the right direction although the initial investment for implementation would seem to be huge.

"But over a period of time there are savings. What happens after that are savings and I think that is very important for us.” He said 

Davis Katsonga asking more about Green Knesset 

“I think as Malawians we have already seen that this environment is no longer a talk, it is real. Last year was voted one of the hottest year in the world, now, Malawians can see, we are in March and the temperatures that we are all experiencing are much higher than probably most of us have experienced before.  So the world is changing which means that we have to be paying more and more attention to the environment and doing things that protect the environment to bring it back to where it is friendly to human beings” explains Msowoya

Msowoya noted that after learning they will also seek Knesset expertise on developing strategy of how they can implement similar project.

“The most important thing is to develop something that we want to do, and once we develop we will convince those people with money it can be ministry of finance, well-wishers who can come on board and say look this is a good idea” he said

Mr. Plot

Director General of the Knesset, Mr. Ronen Plot, told the attendees in the workshop that Green Knesset Project is a very important for both savings on operational costs as well as environmental conservation.

He then assured that a similar Green Knesset in Malawi will bring a lot of benefits to the Malawi Parliament.

“You don’t have to be afraid in investing money because this is the project that you invest and after five years all the money returns. And once you implement this project you will become one of the advanced Parliament in Africa” he assured while adding that “We are coming here to lend you a hand” 

Mr. Plot said back home in 2014, Knesset started the “Green Knesset” Project with initial investment of US$ 1.7 million (NIS7 million) and the average returns from saving water and energy through solar systems is estimated at US$ 400 thousand (NIS 1.5 million) a year. He mentioned that Knesset uses 100% recycled paper, installed 4, 650 square meter solar array which has generating capacity of 450 killowatts and that the Knesset Committees serves water in pitchers instead of bottles which is preventing Knesset from generating 60 thousand plastic bottles a year.

Mr. Plot and Chayen

In an interview  Mr. Ronen Plot, said “We will start working together there is a lot of work to do and am happy to say that both sides want to cooperate  and from our point of view the sky is the limit.” He said, emphasizing “But, you don’t really need financial assistance since it this project that you invest money and the money comes back.” 

In the day there was also a signing of inter-parliamentary cooperation following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two Parliaments’ for cooperation.

The visiting Director General of the Knesset, Sustainability Coordinator for Green Knesset Project arrived on Tuesday and before conducting the workshop on Wednesday, he had Courtesy Call with the Right Honorable Richard Msowoya, Speaker of the Malawi National Assembly.

Mr. Plot with Lazarus Chakwera (Leader of
Opposition) 

Later in the day the delegation met with Clerk of Parliament, Fiona Kalemba and Management of Malawi National Assembly and toured some parts of Lilongwe town.

The delegation which is expected to leave the country on Friday will on Thursday have an Excursion in Salima district.

No More Arrests: Mw Govt Assures Legislatures

Business back to normal on Wednesday 

The Malawi Government has assured members of Parliament today afternoon that law enforcement agencies will follow National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act where none of them will face arrests while Parliament is meeting.

Government assurance come as a response to yesterday request by the Speaker, Richard Msowoya who following arrests of two MP's also top members of Malawi Congress Party (MCP) adjourned the House early and said these arrests threatens immunity of everyone including himself and that the House will meet once assurance was granted by Government.

Members of Parliament enjoys special privileges and immunity except when it is the case of Treason. The two MPs Jessie Kabwila who was arrested on Monday evening from National Assembly meeting and Peter Chakhwantha who handed himself to Police on Tuesday were being accused of Treason following Whatsapp conversation.

Kasaila

"It is the commitment of the Government that we will make sure the provisions of that Act in as far as the procedure are followed as to the Law. That is important for us and that is important for the future of our country." Assured Francis Kasaila- leader of House

"As Government, am giving that commitment and that is commitment of president as well, that the provisions of the Act will be followed" guarantees Kasaila

However, at the beginning of making this assurance the Leader of the House indicated that during the Business Committee meeting held in the morning, it was agreed and clear that provisions of Privileges Act have been violated on several occasions and that this violation was not first time.

Also Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya informed the House at the beginning of the sitting today that the meeting of Business Committee of the House in the morning was assured of the immunity and privileges of the members of the Parliament.

He therefore said the meeting resolved that Speakers office should be informed on arrests of members of Parliament inline with Section 4 of the National Assembly Powers and Privileges Act.

"From now onwards, the Speakers office will expect the authorities not to arrest members of Parliament while Parliament is meeting, unless, procedures has provided the following Powers and Privileges Act and section 60 of the Constitution is adhered to" said Msowoya further informing the House that members of Parliament have been requested to write to Speaker's office of any violation of this regard

"My office will write to the Ministry of Home Affairs and International Security advising her that the mounting of roadblocks and arrests of members of Parliament while Parliament is meeting should not be repeated unless the relevant laws are provided.

I wish to assure the House that Parliamentary Committee on Privileges will be handling matters related to the bleach of members of Parliament Privileges as provided for in its mandate"

Immediately after the assurances were made, Leader of Opposition also rose to agree that the business Committee did agree not to proceed with the motion on Yesterday for the sake of harmony and progress in the transaction of the business of the House.


Chakwera discribed the agreement as "best interest of our nation"


And owner of the motion, legislature for Liongwe North East, Maxwell Thyolera said "Assurances from Government must be adhred to"

Motion from Lilongwe North East Legislature which asked the House to deliberate on the arrests of two legislatures, Jessie Kabwila on Monday and Peter Chakhwantha who handed himself to Police on Tuesday on Treason charges, triggered the ruction in the House on Tuesday evening where both Government and opposition side had different opinion whether it was necessary to debate on the motion

Hon Thyolera complaint was that the arrests of the two was in bleach of members immunity and privileges as well feared that this could happen to anyone.

Ruling after house resumed sitting after an hour of house suspension, Speaker Richard Msowoya expressed his concern that there are arrests of MPs yet the house had assured the members of their immunity following reports that on yesterday there was a roadblock mounted by police just outside of the Parliament Building.

He mentioned that just like all members of Parliament are afraid of being targeted, he himself is afraid.

He therefore ruled that until such a time Government will come and assure the Speaker and the Whole House of their immunity, he adjourns the House till Wednesday at 2pm.

The ruling brought an uproar in the house with discontent from Government side and jeering from opposition members.

There were also exchanging of words as the members were leaving the House.

However, Government Leader of Businesses, Francis Kasaila rubbished the ruling saying the speaker as head of an executive arm of Government was in better position to assure the House of members immunity.

Kasaila further said Speaker was also supposed to consult with heads of Government and hot rush to make such a ruling.

He made it clear that there is no any other assurance that Government could make since the matter at hand is to do with Treason which does not give immunity to any member and that police can effect an arrest at any time.

National Assembly Demands Members Immunity Assurance: House Adjourns Prematurely

Speaker of the National Assembly demands assurance from Government of the immunity to himself and all legislatures and adjourns the House till tomorrow at 2 pm following springs of arrests Government is making to members of Parliament. 

The early adjournment of the house followed a heated debate following a motion from Lilongwe North East legislature who requested the house to suspend proceedings for the house to deliberate on the privilege of members. 

The motion came following arrests of two Malawi Congress Party officials and legislatures, Peter Chakhwantha and Jessie Kabwila on allegations of treason following a Whitsapp conversation. The parliamentarian said such arrests are bleach of members privileges and feared that this could happen to anyone.

Ruling after house resumed sitting after an hour of house suspension, Speaker Richard Msowoya expressed his concern that there are arrests of MPs yet the house had assured the members of their immunity following reports that on yesterday there was a roadblock mounted by police just outside of the Parliament Building.

He mentioned that just like all members of Parliament are afraid of being targeted, he himself is afraid.

He therefore ruled that until such a time Government will come and assure the Speaker and the Whole House of their immunity, he adjourns the House till Wednesday at 2pm.

The ruling brought an uproar in the house with discontent from Government side and jeering from opposition members.

There were also exchanging of words as the members were leaving the House.

However, Government Leader of Businesses, Francis Kasaila rubbished the ruling saying the speaker as head of an executive arm of Government was in better position to assure the House of members immunity.

Kasaila further said Speaker was also supposed to consult with heads of Government and hot rush to make such a ruling.

He made it clear that there is no any other assurance that Government could make since the matter at hand is to do with Treason which does not give immunity to any member and that police can effect an arrest at any time.

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.

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 

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. 

Girls Work Hard In School To Achieve Your Dreams- National Assembly

Chambo girls pose with Speaker and Legislatures

The National Assembly asks girls to remain in school and work hard in their education to achieve their dreams.

The message was said on Tuesday when 94 girls from Chambo Girls Private Secondary School in Mzimba had a rare opportunity at Parliament Building of interacting with Speaker, some cabinet Ministers and female legislatures.

Kaliati speaks to the girls

In their encounter, Chambo girls were offered some motivation talks on how to pursue and achieve their dreams and some female legislatures made recounts of how they defeated challenges in their lives to become what they are today. One legislature said her family could not provide her with school fees for the belief that it could be a waste of time educating a girl who will possibly get married to rich men in future. Others narrated how in the face of financial challenges but worked hard to pursue education.

Msowoya 

Speaker of the National Assembly, Richard Msowoya, Minister of Gender, Patricia Kaliati, Minister of Sports, Grace Chiumia, former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri, and Jessie Kabwila were among number of legislatures who inspired girls with words of encouragement on self confidence and hard work in school for them to become future leaders.

Kabwila, Msowoya, Nyalonje 

The girls were brought by Mzimba North Legislature hon Agnes Makonda Nyalonje who wanted to offer Chambo girls a platform where they can meet with role models to get some words of motivation on how they can pursue and achieve their dreams.

Agnes Nyalonje said organized the visit to expose the girls to number of role models so that they learn from them how they managed to become leaders in their society.

Mzimba North Legislature while encouraging Malawian girls to work hard in school, offered hope that National Assembly and female parliamentarians as well as education committees in particular, are working hard to ensure that education system is improved to enable girls to access to quality education.

“We are also fighting for the girls hostels, because we know that when girls have to walk 10 kilometers or even longer sometimes to go to school, there is no way we can expect them to stay focused when they get to school and there is no way we can expect them to attend school all the times” said Nyalonje

She also noted the recently passed Marriage, Divorce and Family Relations bill which safeguards welfare of girls as one way the National Assembly is protecting and ensuring that girls remain at school.

“There are programmes being undertaken by Government and NGO’s that empower girls and encourage them to stay in school including bursaries.” She added

Then she offered a word of encouragement to girls “My message to girls is focus on education, push those around you to give you opportunity. Sometimes it is not always about waiting to be given it but girls too have to take initiative and they have to believe in their selves, and they have to have confidence, to claim that which is theirs and never give up” encouraged Njalonje

Rachel Vachi

“When I came here I was so much encouraged by the speeches that we need to have self confidence and that we can do anything but we should not be flirting with boys but love school first.” Said one student Rachel Vachi

She added “Watching deliberations in the Chamber I got encouraged by the courage that female parliamentarians have. They speak boldly on issues of national importance in the face of men.”

Wendie Chimbayo

Another student Wendie Chimbayo said “As the parliamentarians have told us that the sky is the limit, I would like to encourage girls that we have to work hard in school because doing so we can achieve anything. We also need to stay focused no matter how big are challenges that we are facing, lets aim to achieve our goals.”