Speaker Issues Stern Warning to Lazy Committee Chairpersons
By Mercy Matonga
The Speaker of Parliament, Sammer Suleman, has issued a stark warning that he will not hesitate to dismiss chairpersons of parliamentary committees who fail in their duties. He emphasized that all committees must fulfil their constitutional mandate of ensuring accountability and oversight in the use of public resources.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Monday at the opening of an orientation session for Members of Parliament, Suleman stated that the new leadership in Parliament is committed to restoring integrity and seriousness to committee work.
“Without effective committees, oversight becomes shallow; without oversight, governance drifts into opacity; and without transformative governance, people’s aspirations are undermined,” Suleman declared.
The Speaker clarified that committees are not merely ceremonial bodies but a vital mechanism for providing essential checks and balances. “Through committees, Parliament ensures that no public kwacha is wasted, no policy escapes scrutiny and no citizen’s voice is ignored,” he said.
He further explained that oversight is an act of protection. “It is about protecting democracy, protecting taxpayers and protecting the integrity of our governance system,” Suleman added.
Committees Described as Parliament’s Foundation
Chika Aniekwe, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Deputy Resident Representative, also addressed the session, stating that democracy is about action that improves lives.
“The effectiveness of Parliament depends greatly on the effectiveness of its committees. So, Honourable Members, you are the wheel and tyres of Parliament, the foundation upon which Parliament will stand or fail,” Aniekwe said.
He urged legislators to use the committees as a platform for meaningful engagement that delivers tangible outcomes for citizens.
The UNDP is a key partner to the Malawi Parliament, providing technical and financial support as part of its wider governance and development programmes in the country.
The orientation follows the official opening of the 52nd Session of Parliament by President Peter Mutharika last Friday.