By Burnett Munthali
In a heated parliamentary session, Leader of the Opposition, Dr. George Chaponda, expressed deep frustration over the government’s growing tendency to evade critical questions from Members of Parliament. Speaking on behalf of his constituents and the broader Malawian populace, Dr. Chaponda highlighted the increasing disregard of parliamentary standing orders by cabinet ministers, calling it a troubling trend in the current administration.
"As one of the longest-serving Members of Parliament, I have never witnessed cabinet ministers so blatantly evade critical questions from members of this house," Dr. Chaponda declared. He emphasized that the persistent failure of the ministers to address these concerns is undermining the fundamental principles of transparency and accountability.
Dr. Chaponda pointed out that several MPs had posted petitions under Standing Order 69, a procedure that allows members to seek clarity and answers from the government. However, the majority of these petitions remain unanswered, save for a select few that were deemed less consequential by the administration. “This is not just disappointing; it is utterly unfair and a display of incompetence,” he remarked.
One key issue that Dr. Chaponda brought to light was the legitimacy of the Tonse government in light of the departure of key coalition partners. On behalf of the silent Malawians who do not have a platform to raise these questions, Dr. Chaponda sought clarity from the Minister of Justice. Despite repeated follow-ups, his concerns about the stability and future of the government went unanswered.
“I asked for answers not only as the Leader of the Opposition but also on behalf of all Malawians who expect transparency and accountability from their leaders,” Dr. Chaponda stated. He further noted that the minister’s failure to address these critical issues raises serious questions about the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles.
I asked for answers not only as the Leader of the Opposition but also on behalf of all Malawians who expect transparency and accountability from their leaders
Dr. Chaponda’s concerns reflect growing dissatisfaction with the way the government is managing its responsibilities in Parliament. “If it were not for the law-abiding nature of the majority in this house, this place would indeed be ungovernable,” he warned, implying that the government’s evasion is testing the patience of MPs and the public alike.
As the situation unfolds, many will be watching closely to see whether the government will take steps to address these concerns or continue down this path of perceived neglect. For now, Dr. Chaponda’s call for accountability remains unanswered, but it has undoubtedly struck a chord with many who are eager for clarity and leadership.