By Edwin Mauluka
Newly elected Members of Parliament are not just touring the National Assembly to find out where the bathrooms are or where to grab a snack during recess, they’re learning what it actually means to be lawmakers.
The orientation, which began Monday, is themed “From Election to Action: Empowering Parliamentarians for Impactful Legislation, Governance and Transformative Leadership.”
Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba told MPs that the time for campaigning was over.
“The mandate you received on September 16 must now translate into your daily work of legislating, overseeing, and serving the people,” she said.
Kalemba reminded the new class that Parliament’s three constitutional roles — legislation, oversight, and representation — come with public expectations of diligence, integrity, and hard work.
“Your constituents expect not just words, but results,” she said. “To achieve this, you must embrace preparation, informed debate, and the humility to listen to citizens and colleagues alike.”
Kalemba urged the MPs to craft laws that align with Malawi 2063, ensure oversight of the Executive, and give voice to their communities.
“As roots are to a tree, so is lawmaking to a Member of Parliament,” she said. “It’s not just about passing bills, but enacting laws that meet the nation’s developmental needs and uphold constitutional values.”
She also cautioned that effective oversight isn’t about confrontation but accountability.
“It’s through resilient oversight that Parliament affirms that no one is above the law,” Kalemba noted.
On leadership, she said Malawi needs lawmakers who can rise above party lines.
“Transformative leadership is about setting aside short-term interests and working toward long-term national priorities,” she said. “When political pressure comes — and it will — remind yourselves that it’s about ensuring laws and budgets reflect the aspirations of ordinary Malawians.”
International experts are also expected to participate in the weeklong orientation.
Patricia Wiskes, MP for Lilongwe City Nankhaka, said the workshop would help her better understand her role and contribute meaningfully to debates in the August House.
Before that happens, Wiskes and other fellow new lawmakers — 224 total — will take the oath later this week.
