Kamlepo calls for federation, Malawi parliament divided on tribal, regional lines
Legislators in parliament were on Thurday sharply divided on tribal and regional lines as a fierce debate raged on whether the country should embrace federation system of government or not.
The motion was introduced in the 193 strong House by outspoken Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua ( Peoples Party).
The motion had the backing of almost all the opposition and independent members of parliament from the north and south while the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) MPs fiercely and emotionally rejected it.
Thyolo Thava MP Mary Navicha said President Peter Mutharika and his DPP led administration have spread development projects in all the districts in the country.
“Federation cannot work in Malawi, we should all work together to develop the country despite of our differing political affiliation,” she said.
Dedza east MP Juliana Lunguzi said the sytem would not only increase ordinary people’s participation but would as well put to an end the culture of handclapping and god worshipping head of state.
“With federation, people will not be under captivity. People will not be told to clap hands or dance for the president to get developent projects, we should not be clapping hands to someone to get development, this is our money,” she said.
Karonga central MP Frank Mwenifumbo said the centralised system of government has become redundant.
“Issues of corruption, nepotism, favouritism, cronyism, tribalism and regionalism can only end if we have the federation,” he said.
He said proponenents of the federation should not be seen as attacking the current leadership.
Zomba Chisi MP Mark Botomani said there is equitable distribution of development activities across the country, saying the issue of nepotism is not there describing it as mere perception.
But Lilongwe Msozi South MP Vitus Dzoole Mwale said nepotism in the DPP led government has reached high levels saying the Chief Secretary is a Lhomwe, chief executive officers of Admarc, NFRA, MBC and other key parastatals are all from Lhomwe belt.
Former vice president Khumbo Kachali said federation is the only way to leap forward the country’s development.
Health minister Atupele Muluzi said the decentralisation which the government has embarked on is the best way of giving power to the people as well as spread development at a very corner of the country.
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The 50+1 vote which you betrayed in the chamber is the best way forward unlike the federation. You can now attest to the fact that corruption is bad, why did you go ahead receiving money for the “NO” vote in Parliament from DPP?. I used to support your ideas but I have now seen that you Kamlepo, are just useless.
MCP should be the last to support this. I would only support federalism if all people would go to their homes of origin so that they develop their states. Otherwise it will not be federalism if you will find the Tumbukas at Capital Hill and a Mr Ngwira as DC in Nsanje. No!
Will you ask all Jeres to go to Mzimba who are settled in Mulanje to get their share of the country budget?And all Bandas to go to Kasungu to get their share from the budget?Malawi is just too small to talk to run federation system,
It is nonsense to talk of Federation.It would be the same.We have so many tribes in Malawi .that want to dominate .So it would come back as it is to day.I expect Kamulepo to talk much on security and the Laws
that allow free property destruction.force snatching and butchering of innocent citizens on allegations that are witches .The government is not doing enough ,Fight for change of Laws.Let those involved face the Law not be left free when other members are in Pains.Malawi will explode.So you will see strong revenge that would bring total confusions in the country.Why should government leave such issues
in the hands of ccjp only that assist in prosecuting suspect of mob justice
KAMLEPO,many Malawians (myself) inclusive,are wondering whether Kamlepo comprehends the meaning of FEDERATION.Righ now, Malawians wonder how the country would exit from the present economic and political pandemonium created by inept leadership.May I take this opportunity to admonish Kamlepo that the process of creating FEDERATION in any country is not that easy,it needs brilliance and commitment of all citizens of the land and it takes much time,it is not a matter of going to the platform and start preaching gibberish to the people.First and formost,see to it that your voters have the needed things for their day to day life.As I see it,Rumphi East is the worse constituency in the country economically and politically.It seems to me Mr.Kamlepo,that you do not care about your voters,but you care about your own interests,you have completely delericted the lives of your voters,this is political and economic misdemeanour.In fact,there is no country in Africa since indipendence that has opted for the system of FEDERATION.Mr.Kamlepo,are you short of notions for your own constituency? People want the Mlowe-Chiweta road reconstructed to make their local businesses going without hinderous,they want hospital for the one which is there now,is not satisfying the people from other areas who use the same hospital.These are the notions that Kamlepo must put his energy on.rather than the so-called Federation.When Nyasaland was the member of the Federation,lots of infrastructures were constructed by the Federal government in Salisbury and an instance is the Queen Hospital in Blantyre.So,what is Kamlepo going to do to effect real federation in the country live alone his poverty-striken Constituence? in my mind,it seems Kamlepo has wholly no notion of Federal structure,what is doing now is to mislead his sleeping voters for his own interests.Where is Nyika Land Movement? Mr.Kamlepo,your immediate job is to see to it that your constuency is developed and not leave your voters to fend for themselves,you are in the Parliament because of the abandoned voters.
The Kamlepo of old would be Making Noise about the 7 billion Admarc Scandal. Why is he trying to deviate attention from Real Issues affecting all Malawians. Ma neighbour akutiposawa Zambia ,Mozambique etc ndi ma Federation? A Kamlepo alero mmmm ndiokayikisa.
this is the only way for us to enjoy in this country osati dziko kungokhala ngati lili mmanja mwa antghu owerengeka okha adyera
thisn is the way to go for us malawian for everyone to enjoy in this country.dziko longokhala ngati lili kwa anthu owerengeka tatopa nazo.anthu adyera
I agree! Atumbuka asamutse manyumba awo anamanga ku Namiwawa ndi ku Namiwawa akawadzale ku Mhuju!
a system that will scrap powers from the HE to the regional governments? as a southerner myself I would love to see this,We are falsely accused of steering regionalism,yet southern region accomodates every Malawian,our region has a good number of industries n when the fed is in action then our Southern leader will ensure that workers in this industries are from Southern region,I see my young brothers benifit ting more from this new setup plz pple bring it on
That is if you don’t run these industries down through stealing and corruption.
That’s fine, at least they will be something going on there on the other side…developments takes time to build but we can wait for that……at least we shall be making our own decisions…vuto ndilote, tilibe chikondi timafuna zonse zikhale zathu, our neighbor has to be beaten materially under any circumstance……that’s the mentality on the ground….most of times we forget that we there to serve the Masses
So says the man who disappeared for the 50+1 vote
Malawi simply has to many tributes which overtime have mixed due to inter-marriages and relocations. Let’s face the facts, we are more mixed than we chose to accept.
People from various districts and regions have settled in other locations throughout the country .e.g. Hon. Kamlep himself is based in Blantyre. Federation is not the way to go.
The masses will not understand this issues of federation in the context of development but tribalism and we have examples of what happens when countries start thinking like this. Too many example in Africa to mention – with unfortunate consequences. Please let’s be careful and guard our peace.
Decentralization is the best alternative. We have this policy in place. Execution is what is delaying – as the case with all policies in Malawi.
As a hybrid to our parliamentary system, I can suggest, at amaximum, if we can consider electing district governor to ensure strong political representation at the district level. Not regional level – This will break the Country!!
Your comment and many others on this forum just show that a lot of people do not understand the concept of federalism. I would urge you to read or learn more on federalism before making comments that only serve to show your lack of in-depth understanding of the subject. For instance, in America if you are from California it does not mean you cannot settle and work in Maryland.
Federation does not stop inter marriages or going from South to North,NO,you must understand the meaning first before you comment
The bottom line here is that, we could draw up our own investment projects …..we shall be able to truck our own funds… no leakages… as is the case right now
IT’S TRUE MALAWIANS NEED
FEUDALISM –WE HAVE TRIED THE REST LET’S TRY ANOTHER ONE —THESE DPP FIELD MARSHALS ARE JUST PUSHING US AROUND —
Malawi simply has too many tribes which overtime have mixed due to inter-marriages and relocations. Lets face the facts, we are more mixed than we chose to accept.
People from various district and regions have settle in other location without the country e.g. Hon. Kamlepo himself is based in Blantyre. Federation is not the way to go.
The masses will not understand this issues of federation in the context of development but tribalism and we have example of what happens when a countries starts thinking like this. Too many example in Africa to mention – with unfortunate consequences. Please let’s be careful and guide our peace.
Decentralization is the best alternative. We have this policy in place. Execution is what is delaying – as the case with all policies in Malawi.
As a hybrid to our parliamentary system, I can suggest , at the maximum, we if we can consider electing district governors to ensure strong political representation at the district level. Not regional Level – This will break the country!!
A federal government is a system of dividing up power between a central national government and local state governments that are connected to one another by the national government. Some areas of public life are under the control of the national government, and some areas are under control of the local governments. Federal government systems usually have a constitution that specifies what areas of public life the national government will take control over and what areas of public life the state governments will take control over.
In the United States, the Constitution created the federal system by limiting the activities of the national government to a few areas, such as collecting taxes, providing for defense, borrowing money on credit, regulating commerce, creating a currency, establishing post offices and post roads, granting patents, creating lower courts, and declaring war. The 10th amendment of the Constitution, on the other hand, gave all other powers to the states. As a result, any specific power not given to the Federal government is a power of the state government. The chart explains which powers are given to the federal government and which are given to state governments.
The main advantage of a federal government is that in a country where there are many diversities and the establishment of a unitary government is not possible, a political organization can be established through this form of Government. In this type of government, local self-government, regional autonomy and national unity are possible.
In a federal government the provinces, regions or the states enjoy separate rights and they have separate cabinets and legislatures. Local governments have also separate rights and the councils elected by the people run the local administration. When elections to the provincial legislatures and local bodies take place, and when the representatives of the people run the local and provincial administration, people take keen interest in the administration
This system is more advantageous to smaller states, because they cannot defend themselves independently and establish diplomatic relations with other countries, which entails a lot of expenditure. The expenditure that they incur on their defence is also reduced, if they join together. Fifty states of America could not defend themselves individually. Similar is the case with India and other countries
Federal government is not only useful from the defence point of view, but it is also good for economic and cultural progress. In a federation the centre looks after many common subjects, and the states have not to incur expenditure on them. With the establishment of federation, inter-state commerce and industry are encouraged. The regular supply of necessities is ensured in scarcity areas without much expenditure.
The economic sources of the country are increased in a federation and the country can face droughts, famines and other natural calamities without much difficulty. The country can formulate a sound economic policy; it can build big dams and establish industries for its prosperity
Thank you Panganani. It is my hope that your lengthy post will help a lot of readers understand the concept of federalism. Already we hear people commenting that since one stays in a different region than his/her own, then he cannot agitate for federalism.
Federal System is the only way that will help Malawi to develop. In a federal system each province can develop itself without begging from the federal government. The present regime is based on tribalism. The Lomwes are in control of everything. There was even a time where Bingu wa Mutharika wanted all Malawians to learn Lomwe. This Hitler Peter Mutharika is a killer. Him and his late brother are committing genocide on the Northerners. Time for talking to these baboons is over. The Northerners must declare our Nyikaland independent. I don’t think this union with others cannot work We’re tired of being oppressed. When are we going to know really freedom in our Nyikaland? m Northerners you must rise even if it means taking arms lets go for it. Enough is enough. MACHENDE ANU A PETER HITLER MUTHARIKA!!!!!!
This DPP government is full of nepotism,regionalism,tribalism etc.We thought at first that we are all Malawians but this DPP and APM has divided this country if not carefully nkhondo ya pa chiweniweni yimayamba like this.Lets stop this nonsense things from this Peter after he wont even spend his time here in Malawi.Lets fight for our ONE MALAWI ONE NATION regardless of which tribe you are.#LETS VOTE OUT THIS NEPOTISM GOVERNMENT#!!!!!!!!!
Nonsense! Which poor or vulnerable will turn into a millionaire through federation? Some of you just want to remain in politics forever because you have money with which to campaign for governorship in a federation set up
Any way some of are veiled cashgaters who the system has failed to expose.
Thats not the point man
IS YOUR BRAIN IN THE HEAD OR IN ONE OF YOUR ‘VITHUPSYAZO’??
I am a southerner but Federation system of government is the way to go. The centralized system has made us more poor and without necessary development. We need check and balances, izi zongodalira ma connections zatilaka…deserving citizens are suffering the more
When tribalism is practised to the hilt something gotta give: federalism. We should not blame the proponents of such a system. We got it coming. It has been long coming. Band igawana zida.
Federation is the way to go every government officer should work in his region. DC should come from the same district so too with all government officers unless if there is shortage and if there is shortage we should import from neighboring district this is the only way to equitably distribute resources. Bravo Kamlepo
Mr.Kamlepo,could you please broaden your subject about the so called FEDERATION.What kind of federation does Mr.KAMLEPO envisage? It seems to me Mr.Kamlepo has nothing tangible to start preparations for the coming national elelections and indeed,Mr.kamlepo has provoked a notion beyond his mental capacity.Where is Nyikaland movement? Malawians and the Northerners will need to know how this federation would work to entrench national participation thus includes: CENTRAL AND SOUTH REGIONS? After reading your narration,Iam overwhelmingly convinced that Mr.Kamlepo does not know what FEDERATION IS. After almost morethan 50 years of independence of the African Countries,I have never ever heard this animal called federation within the countries.Where did you get this notion Mr.Kamlepo Sir? This notion personally,I think has come so soon and very early.i think people of your constituence are the most backward citizens in every sense of the word.What your voters would need first and formost,is the reconstruction of CHIWETA – MLOWE ROAD which caters thousands of people in one day with their loads on the head to the far markets.Secondly,the people badly need hospitals for the one they have today with population surging,is not sufficient.What have you done with the Muchenga so-called coal mine? Mr.Kamlepo,are you aware of the fact that our Constituency of Rumphi East is the POOREST in Malawi? Camon do something for our people of Rumphi East are dying a slow demise.I think you could have learnt a lesson that led to the BOAT accident recently with several people lost their lives.COME ON WAKE UP MR.KAMLEPO!!!!!!
I am sure either you don’t understand What Kamlepo is talking about or you just want to insult Kamlepo out of hatred. In both cases a shameful thing to do.
@Kamchenga: Msowoya may have valid points here; he has traveled far and wide in this world to have seen or witnessed many different political systems perhaps more than most of us. Thus, one of his points is urging Kalua to prioritize action. In other words, work on development of infrastructure NOW, rather than waiting for the so-called Federation. The Federation would not be a panacea; and would not solve the basic problem of massive corruption in our society, at every level – district, regional and national.
In a Federation, “Cashgaters” will be emboldened as they will feel they are accountable to a smaller audience!
The Federation will not reduce kusefa or the sieve.
Even devolution, as such, is not the solution: Just look at the sickening scenarios evolving massive, I mean massive, corruption in Kenya (National Youth Service, fertilizer contamination, imported sugar contamination, tendering of maize supply, electricity power supply charges and the list is endless – all since devolution).
And everyone, except the Kikuyu, is still complaining mad about tribalism.
You are a useless hand clapper of even stupid midiocle things.To hell with your comment
Poir thinking malawians, Kamyzy fought against federation and we want to bring it sfsun. After 40 years my grand children will fight against it too
Hooo
Word of advice Honourable Kamlepo; until Malawi elect 193 legislators who are high educated, well versed in current affairs, have lateral thinking skills with high EQ, the debate, I am afraid, will go nowhere. You have too many handclappers in parliament, as Honourable Lungu eloquently put it. The debate is well above their pay grade and therefore will follow blindly what their DPPleader(s) say is in their best interest. None of those with opposing views see beyond their bellies. This is politics of the stomach….for them not Malawians. Lets get educated councillors, MPs and Cabinet ministers and not those who even explain what 4G technology is and yet they are responsible for Communication & Technology portfolio.
the issue should not only be distribution of development but good governance and accountability of government to its citizens.indeed its high time we thank and praise sing for nothing instead of making them accountable.we chose them to lead us and not to rule us.that time is long gone.lets stop dancing and praise singing for our leaders regardless from which party is in power.lets diferenciate running of government and running of a political party.this is what makes our leaders lose direction.each one should have its own time.lets not allow political parties use government institutions including people and money.the road to state houses should have if necessary a national flag and not party flags hanging on power poles.