Citizen movement backs parliamentary oversight

Concerned Citizens of Malawi, People Power Movement (CCM-PPM) has backed Parliament’s latest move to strengthen accountability.

The movement says Parliament must be free to perform its constitutional oversight role.

In a press statement, CCM-PPM referred to National Assembly Speaker Sameer Suleman’s September 3 briefing.

Suleman announced the formation of joint parliamentary committees to probe major national issues.

CCM-PPM described the move as an important exercise of Parliament’s oversight powers.

However, the movement said the process has faced what it called an “orchestrated pushback.”

It cited alleged threats from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretariat.

It also cited a court injunction obtained by a private individual seeking to stop the process.

CCM-PPM further welcomed a statement by Information Minister Shadric Namalomba on the matter.

The movement said the clarification showed that President Arthur Peter Mutharika and the Executive had not backed the court action against Suleman.

CCM-PPM said the position was consistent with Mutharika’s commitment to constitutionalism and accountability.

The movement has called for Parliament to perform its oversight role without interference.