By Edwin Mauluka

The Malawi National Assembly will remain independent and carry out its constitutional oversight mandate without fear or favour, Speaker Sameer Suleman said on Friday.

Suleman made the remarks as he adjourned the House sine die, stressing that effective oversight is key to steering the country toward its development goals.

“It is through this oversight that this House can change the direction of this country for the better and help us achieve the development aspirations of our people,” he said.

He cautioned lawmakers against allowing partisan politics to overshadow Parliament’s work, urging them to prioritise the interests of their constituents over narrow or personal agendas.

The Speaker also commended President Peter Mutharika for what he described as unwavering support for Parliament, particularly his pledge not to interfere with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel purchase.

Suleman said investigations into the Chikangawa plane crash are gaining momentum, with the ad hoc committee set to begin meetings next week.

“I want to assure the House that my office will provide all the necessary support so that this inquiry is conducted professionally and meets the expectations of all Malawians,” he said.

He further pledged that the PAC inquiry into the Amaryllis Hotel will proceed to its logical conclusion, with a report tabled before the House.

His remarks come days after Leader of the House Jappie Mhango blocked opposition attempts to have the PAC report tabled, arguing that the government determines business brought before Parliament.

In response, Suleman clarified that while the Leader of the House manages government business, it is the Business Committee that sets the agenda.

“Business in this House is decided by the House itself—not by the Leader of the House alone,” he said. “My office will ensure that every committee that has submitted a report gets to present it, no matter who is affected by the findings. That is the hallmark of oversight.”

He challenged parliamentary committees to deliver results and warned individuals involved in maladministration or unlawful conduct that Parliament would expose wrongdoing.

Suleman also urged the Leader of the House to ensure that parliamentary business is fully concluded before adjournment.

“I want a situation where, as we rise like today, the Order Paper is empty, with all business concluded,” he said.

The Speaker noted that Parliament has intensified outreach efforts to improve engagement with stakeholders and better align with public expectations.

“We need the support of our stakeholders to deliver on our mandate. I call upon the private sector and civil society to engage with us constructively,” he added.

Reflecting on the just-ended sitting, Suleman said he was encouraged by improved use of oversight tools, including questions to ministers and the invocation of Standing Orders to address urgent public issues.

However, he expressed concern over absenteeism among lawmakers, saying it undermines the effectiveness of Parliament.

“On some occasions, we failed to proceed with Questions to Ministers due to the absence of members concerned. I urge each one of you to reflect on this. We must prioritise attendance in both plenary and committee sittings,” he said.

Suleman also announced the formation of a new Parliamentary Youth Caucus, comprising 47 members. The caucus is open to MPs aged below 40 at the time of their swearing-in.

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