The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and political analysts have defended Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman over his decision to establish joint parliamentary committees to investigate issues of public concern. PAC spokesperson Gilford Matonga says the move is in line with Parliament’s oversight role in a democratic system. Matonga says the committees will provide […]
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) and political analysts have defended Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman over his decision to establish joint parliamentary committees to investigate issues of public concern.
PAC spokesperson Gilford Matonga says the move is in line with Parliament’s oversight role in a democratic system.
Matonga says the committees will provide checks and balances and could help government address concerns affecting the delivery of essential services.
He says the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has a right to express its views on the matter but should not politicise the issue.
According to Matonga, the Speaker represents the interests of all Malawians whose representatives are in Parliament.
Political analyst George Phiri also says Suleman has not overstepped his mandate or undermined President Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Phiri says Parliament is an independent institution and has powers under the Constitution to hold the Executive accountable.
He says Suleman is therefore exercising his responsibilities as Speaker by responding to issues raised by the public.
Another political analyst, Moses Mkandawire, says the Speaker’s parliamentary responsibilities should not be confused with his role as a member of the ruling party.
Mkandawire says Suleman is exercising his constitutional role when he raises issues affecting Malawians.
The debate follows Suleman’s announcement that Parliament will establish 12 joint committees to investigate various public concerns.
The committees will look into issues including NOCMA payments, mining governance, fertiliser coupon distribution, prison conditions, access to justice and passport services.
They will also investigate electricity sector performance and the unbundling of ESCOM, pension complaints and concerns raised by local transporters over preference for international transporters.
Suleman says the committees will conduct investigations and produce comprehensive reports before the next meeting of Parliament.
He says the aim is to find quick and lasting solutions to the concerns raised by Malawians.
On the electricity sector, Suleman has questioned the benefits of unbundling the power sector into ESCOM, EGENCO and Power Market Limited.
He wants the relevant committee to assess whether the unbundling has benefited the country.
The Speaker has also challenged the Public Accounts Committee to produce its report on the proposed acquisition of Amaryllis Hotel within seven days.
However, the DPP has criticised Suleman’s actions, with Secretary General Peter Mukhito warning him to respect President Mutharika’s authority.
DPP spokesperson Shadrick Namalomba has accused Suleman of ignorance of the law, arguing that the Speaker does not have powers to establish parliamentary committees on his own.
Suleman has defended his actions, saying he respects President Mutharika and consults before making decisions.
He says the committees were established after Parliament received petitions from Malawians.
Suleman has also called for dialogue to resolve the disagreement, saying that “two wrongs don’t make a right.”
The developments have sparked debate over the powers of the Speaker, Parliament’s oversight role and its relationship with the Executive and the ruling DPP.
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