Malawi Parliament approves to revert to original flag

President Joyce Banda’s government has successfully presented to Parliament a bill for the independence national flag to be reinstated to replace the current one which has since passed.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Ralph Kasambara presented the Protected Flags, Emblems and Names Amendment Bill  in the august House and was supported by members and passed with a voice vote.

This means the Malawi independence flag’s half-rising sun will replace full sun over black, red and green which was controversially changed by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government.

Malawi flag

Late President Bingu wa Mutharika changed the national flag in 2010 amid public protestation.

Officially opening the 2012/2013, President Banda – People’s Party – said the decision to revert to the old flag was arrived at upon observing that the process to change to the present flag did not involve adequate national consultation and participation by Malawians.

“In the opinion of the Cabinet, there was no compelling reason for changing the independence flag,” said Banda.

Leader of Opposition John Tembo supported the move to revert to old flag, saying the change was by the DPP led government”was stupid.”

“No one can just wake up and change history. This is a day we were waiting to change the flag,” said Tembo.

Leader of the House Henry Phoya told parliament that “ the change wasn’t prompted by occurrence of any significant.”

He said: “ This was an attack on nationhood. The strange looking and rather meaningless flag reflected that the Leadership was out of the touch with the feelings of people it was governing.”

The old flag, in use since 1964, had a rising sun, whilst the “imposed” new flag features a full sun.

In a Pastoral Letter, the nine Roman Catholic bishops rebuked the administration of wa Mutharika for among other things failing to provide “proper consultations” on changing the flag.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
Read previous post:
Katsonga takes Chipani Cha Pfuko to Dausi constituency

Davies Chester Katsonga has issued a statement of intent to incumbent member of Mwanza Central constituency Nicholous Dausi that he will...

Close