LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s lawmakers have faulted Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara’s wrong decision on barring 24 members to attend parliament session.
Member of Parliament (MP) for Phalombe North East, Denis Namachekeka told Maravipost on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 that parliament has its own standing orders and it can not be govern by court order.
Namachekeka said it is the first in history of Malawi where speaker imposes a leader opposition which the main party rejected.
He said barring the members is refusing them to represent their people.
Concurring with Namachekeka, DPP spokesperson, Shadrek Namalomba has asked the court to hands off parliament proceeding by making a rulling on the injunction which is their hands.
Namalomba said all DPP members will sleep at parliament premises in protest of the speakers decision till Thursday.
Meanwhile some of the legal members of DPP who are attending parliament proceedings are,Welani Chilenga, Bertha Ndewere, Joyce Chitsulo and Mwangasula Mwambande.
Echoing the same, MP for Rumphi East, Kamlepo Kalua Speaker’s office for ignoring the standing orders of the August House.
Kamlepo said parliament has a mandate to deliberate the proceedings without court interference.
In his remarks Deputy Speaker of Parliament ,Madalitso Kazombo said by physically broking parliament all members will be slammed by parliament standing orders .
He said all the members who are protesting on their own will be deducted their house allowance.
Leader of the house, Chimwendo Banda called upon legislators to adhere to the rules of Parliament as they are saving malawians.
“What is happening outside will not affect the proceedings of the house,”said Chimwendo.
He said undermining the speakers office is a serious offence inline with section 194 of Parliament.
