Kamlepo asks if Goodall is incapacitated: Malawi Finance Minister speak in Parliament while seated

Firebrand Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua asked Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe  to come out clear to say whether he was incampacitated or not.

Kalua demanded the answers after Gondwe was presenting votes to parliament whilst seated.

Standing orders, rules governing conduct of the House requires that the minister stands up when presenting the votes to the 193 strong House.

“We want to know madam chair why our able minister of finance is unable to stand up and present the votes. We want to know if he is incampacitated and if he is how can he continue in his position,” said Kalua.

After an hour or so Gondwe stood up to tell the House that he had a seven hour operation and doctors asked him not to stand for long.

“I am surprised that [Wakwhitu]  a boy from home can be very unkind to me,” said Gondwe.

After the clarification, Kalua apologised to Gondwe.

“I did not know the situation and he should forgive me if I am seen not to be caring. I have that duty of care,” said Kalua amid handclapping from other backbenchers.

Chair of the committee of supply – first deputy speaker Esther Mcheka Chileke  – had told the House earlier at the start of business that Gondwe would not be standing due to a medical situation.

Apparently Kalua was not yet in the House when the announceement was made.

However,  business in the House went on smoothly.

As at 4pm, 25 votes had been passed since Monday which means the MPs had another 25 votes to scrutinise and pass before close of business on Thursday, the last day of government financial year.