By Wendy Mkandawire
Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman says that the Business Committee of Parliament has resolved to deduct allowances for all members who deliberately absent themselves from parliamentary deliberations.
Speaking on Tuesday Suleman stated that the measure is aimed at ensuring all members attend sessions to fulfil their mandate of making decisions critical to national development
Suleman said that decisions to develop the country come from Parliament; hence the need for all members present to serve the purpose for which they were elected.
According to Suleman, the decision followed a thorough scrutiny of the previous meeting, where the committee noted low participation stemming from high absenteeism by some members of Parliament without valid reasons.
He further advised all members to work collaboratively in order to achieve common goals and sustain development in the country.
Reacting to the development, Leader of the House Jappie Mhango echoed Suleman’s sentiments, saying the move will increase attendance, participation, and bring sanity to Parliament as members debate issues of national interest.
He stressed that as Leader of the House, he will ensure the resolution is enforced, adding that any member of Parliament not attending deliberations without valid reasons will be denied allowances.
The announcement comes as members started the 52nd session of Parliament on Tuesday, where they are expected to discuss various pressing issues affecting Malawians.
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About the Writer
Wendy Mkandawire is executive reporter for Leyman Publications based in Lilongwe, Malawi. |
