Speaker warns Malawi MPs against disorderly conduct
Speaker of Parliament, Richard Msowoya has issued a warning to lawmakers that they will face stern sanctions if they engaged in disorderly conduct with the sole purpose of disrupting proceedings of the House.
Msowoya told the MPs that he noted “with concern” that “order and decorum” is deteriorating in the august House.
He reminded the legislatures on the need to observe order and decorum at all times they transact business in the House.
“Firstly, I have noted that on numerous occasions, there has been a lot of background noise when an Honourable Member is holding the floor.
“There has been unnecessary cheering and jeering from other Honourable Members to the extent that it has become extremely difficult for the Presiding Officer to catch every word that the Honourable Member is putting across. Yet, the Presiding Officer would be expected in certain cases to make a ruling on matters raised on the floor of the House,” said the Speaker.
Msowoya said he will not hesitate to invoke Standing Orders 103 to 105 to enforce discipline against a Member whose conduct would be deemed to be disorderly.
The Speaker said “unnecessary jeering and cheering” is disorderly conduct that obstructs business of the House.
He asked MPs to remain “reasonably silent whilst someone else is speaking and not disturb the person addressing the House by unruly interruptions.”
The Speaker said the “acceptable levels of interjections are tolerated otherwise the House would be a dull place if all speeches were held in total silence.”
He said Malawians want their representative in the legislative body to serve them with a certain degree of responsibility.
The novice leader of opposition is to blame. He doesn’t know how to instill discipline in his MPs.
Lawmakers should behave responsibly. We are watching them, that much they should know.