MP Msungama says Malawi young generation shall rise in maiden speech at Parliament

Malawi Congress Party (MCP)  Lilongwe City South East’s member of Parliament (MP) Ulemu Msungama used his first speech in Parliament to say the young generation which he belongs shall rise to have an active role in trans-formative politics and governance.

Delivering his maiden speech in the House, Msungama who won the recent by-elections after challenging the 2014 elections in court which ordered a re-run,  said he isn’t just proud to represent the people of Lilongwe City South East but he is also “proud to be a vibrant, visionary, ambitious, newly elected and newly married MP.”

He said he hopes to inspire the young generation to refrain from “cheap party politics” and to cease complaining about the blunders of the older generations  “who are now struggling to lead this country.”

Said Msungama: “It is my hope that instead of complaining, my generation will take up the challenge,  realise and accept that they are not leaders of tomorrow, but today.

“Malawi needs to see a new day and I want to be part of that sunrise, but I have learnt the hard way that those who need to take a bow and retire from politics, will not give up power willingly.”

Continued Msungama: “My generation must fight for our place in public offices where policies are made. So, I call on young people everywhere to rise and be counted. Refuse to be painted and as always, nothing for us, without us!”

Msungama said he had fought gallantly  to be in the legislative House and  has no plans to stop fighting.

“I have to keep fighting because while justice was only delayed for me, for the people of Lilongwe South East, justice had been denied,” he said.

The new parliamentarian said the “tragic thing”  about poor living conditions in his constituency is that,  it is  in the Capital City.

“In fact, the most amusing thing is that the State House [official residence of President Peter Mutharika, Kamuzu Palace]  itself is inside my constituency. This means that even though the State President is the nation’s Head of State, he is also my constituent. So, it is sad that his government has neglected the needs of the people that share the same constituency with him,” he said.

Msumgama said it remains “interesting” that the ruling DPP  even lost the vote of a polling centre at the State House premises.

“ This means that even Malawians that are immediate neighbours feel neglected by government,” he pointed out.

Msungama said: “Since the President is my constituent and I am his Member of Parliament, I look forward to persuading him to work with me as they say charity begins at home. My generation shall rise.”