Mutharika not almighty, is prone to error says Nankhumwa: Malawi Parliament adjourns sine die

Leader of government business in parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa has said President Peter Mutharika is human and prone to make mistakes but that does not call for his disrespect.

Nankhumwa said this on Friday as parliament rose after a two-month marathon meeting which saw the passing of the K1.3 trillion national budget.

“President Peter Mutharika is not almighty. As much as he is doing his job he was voted for, he is prone to human error but he needs to be respected,” said Nankhumwa.

He also talked passionately about his relationship with Leader of the Opposition Lazarus Chakwera.

“We set aside our political differences to discuss how best to run parliamentary business. This unity must continue,” said the youthful Leader of the House drawing applause from both sides of the 193 strong House.

Nankhumwa also said the government is now taking the crusade against corruption to new heights and asked all parliamentarians and Malawians to join the government in the fight against the vice.

In his speech, Leader of the Opposition Chakwera advocated for contact and dialogue as a means to end the never ending strikes.

“I stand before this august House to appeal to all those who are paid from a tax payer’s money to always give contact and dialogue a chance so that our country Malawi does not suffer the effects of strikes and uprisings,” he said.

Chakwera however expressed concern over the way parliament handled the committee of supply, a vote by vote scrutiny of departmental allocations before the budget is passed and approved.

“With enough time a good understanding of the budget allocations would have done justice to the votes. Hence my plea to the leaders of this parliament to review the way some of the business is processed in this august House,” he said, adding, “speed defeats a lot and ends up in leaving out some crucial contributions.”

Chakwera also called on enhanced unity among Malawians and the leadership of the country, saying the country needs to regain the lost integrity on issues of finance and love for each other.

“Let us not destroy the unity that made us an independent nation for the sake of politics. Working hard and smarter will help everyone especially rural farmers to produce more.

“Patriotism means loving our country and all its inhabitants and not just those close to us. Integrity will ensure corruption will be dealt a death blow and Malawi will rise again to become a beacon of hope for all,” he said.

The House passed nine bills, remaining with three outstanding which are HIV/AIDS prevention and management, Political parties and Public Audit.

The House also tackled questions from back benchers to ministers and there were four ministerial statements.