By Edwin Mauluka

The Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has withdrawn from a parliamentary ad hoc committee set to conduct a fresh inquiry into the June 10, 2024 plane crash in Chikangawa that killed former Vice President Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima and eight others.

Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman on Thursday announced the formation of the 12-member committee. However, MCP immediately raised concerns over what it described as a lack of balance and impartiality in the committee’s composition.

Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda told the House that MCP would not participate in the inquiry to avoid compromising its outcome.

“Honourable Speaker, as the House might be aware, there were more than two inquiries that happened during our time,” he said. “Malawi Congress Party has decided to pull out and not to participate in this inquiry. We believe this is in the best interest of the party.”

Suleman acknowledged the statement, saying he would respond formally.

In his earlier communication, the Speaker said his office received nominees from political parties in line with the agreed representation ratio. He added that a secretariat appointed by the Clerk of Parliament would support the committee, which is expected to elect its chairperson at its first meeting.

The committee has been given 90 days from its first sitting to complete its work and report back to Parliament during the next session scheduled for August 2026. Monthly progress reports will also be required.

Despite the House adopting the committee under Standing Order 152(1), concerns persisted. MCP Chief Whip Moses Kumkuyu questioned the independence of some MPs listed as independents, arguing that many openly align with political parties, particularly the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

“Do we still regard them as having an independent allegiance in this committee?” Kumkuyu asked.

Mwanza Central MP Felix Njawala countered that all independent MPs remain officially unaffiliated regardless of where they sit in the House.

“Even if you select members from any side, they are still independents. What matters is that they were selected from the independents’ block,” he said.

Lilongwe North MP Monica Chang’anamuno also challenged the composition, calling for a more balanced committee as previously agreed by the Business Committee.

“This is not balanced. We must ensure fairness so the nation can trust the outcome of this inquiry,” she said.

However, Suleman maintained that the names were drawn from submissions by political parties and independents, warning that his office “will not be dictated to” on how to run the inquiry.

The exchange escalated, with Chang’anamuno questioning whether the process would produce credible results. Suleman then disclosed that her name had been removed from the MCP list because she previously served as Minister of Defence in the former administration.

The Speaker also rebuked Lilongwe Mlodza MP Ulemu Msungama for attempting to direct his office, after Msungama called for the Business Committee to reconvene and rebalance the list.

Mchinji South MP Owen Malijani stressed that the credibility of the inquiry would depend on its perceived impartiality, warning that the current composition risks undermining public trust.

Debate in the chamber became heated, prompting the Speaker to order the removal of two MPs: Kelvin Mphande (Lilongwe Likuni) and Sylvester Ayuba James (Nkhotakota Central), the latter having described the Speaker as “extremist.”

After a brief suspension, Suleman delivered a ruling affirming that the status of independent MPs remains as declared by the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC).

“Those elected as independents remain independent in our records. My office will not be drawn into political associations formed outside that framework,” he said.

He acknowledged MCP’s concerns but said his office would monitor the committee’s work to ensure its composition does not affect its mandate.

“This is a highly technical matter of national interest, not a political issue. Let us support the committee to carry out its work effectively,” Suleman urged.

Meanwhile, Minister of Gender Mary Navicha raised concerns over the lack of female representation in the committee, proposing that each party nominate at least one woman.

Suleman responded that most parties failed to submit female nominees, noting that Chang’anamuno — the only woman initially listed — had been withdrawn due to her previous ministerial role.

He added that while efforts were made to balance regional representation, it was not possible to satisfy all interests.

The committee comprises members from DPP, MCP, UTM, PP, UDF, and independent MPs, although the Speaker indicated that the People’s Party representative will be replaced.

—

Also Read: Mutharika reopens inquiry into Chilima plane crash, Parliament to lead probe