Nankhumwa advocates for ex-Malawi MPs’ welfare, elevation of Speaker’s status: Hits at MCP
Leader of Government Business in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa has said that Malawi ought to find means of looking after the welfare of former Members of Parliament (MPs) in recognition of their contribution to the development of the country.
Nankhumwa made the proposal when he delivered his ‘discontinuance speech’ in Parliament on Friday, October 11, 2019 at the end of the 2019/2020 Budget Session.
“It is not a secret that the economic status of most of our former MPs is not good. I would like to make a humble submission that as a nation, we must seriously explore ways and means of looking after the welfare of former MPs, particularly those that served for more than one term.
“I am aware that we may not have the resources to adequately finance such a programme but I wish to submit that it is only fair to recognize the contribution that former MPs made towards the political, social and economic development of our nation and reward them accordingly,” said Nankhumwa, attracting a deafening applause from both sides of the House.
Nankhumwa also made another suggestion relating to the status of the Speaker of Parliament, noting that Speakers in Malawi do not enjoy the same reputational status as that of Speakers in other countries.
“In Malawi, and indeed in other countries, the Speaker of Parliament is the head of the second arm of government, which is the Legislature. It is a very senior position in terms of ranking and running of the whole government machinery,” said the Leader of the House.
He proposed that Malawians must ascribe a higher status to the position of Speaker of Parliament “than we are doing now”.
On the passing of the K1.7 trillion national budget, Nankhumwa expressed appreciation to MPs “for yet again rising above party politics to authorize government to spend financial resources on various social and economic services, which are aimed at uplifting people’s livelihoods”.
“I wish to congratulate the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Joseph Mwanamveka for presenting a comprehensive maiden national budget before this august House that meets the aspirations of all Malawians.
“This national budget is in line with the larger DPP government’s national development agenda, which is being implemented under the able and visionary leadership of His Excellency President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika,” he said.
Nankhumwa, who is also Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development, noted that despite passing the national budget, the just-ended sitting was marred by disagreements over parliamentary procedures, resulting in serious tension between government and opposition members.
“Let me register my reservations over the manner in which the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) frustrated transaction of some important government business, notably the confirmation of Mr. Duncan Mwapasa as Inspector General of Police.
“It is disturbing to note that MCP went a step further to obtain a court injunction to prevent the House from confirming Mr. Duncan Mwapasa as Inspector General of Police.
“It is deeply upsetting to watch MPs deliberately politicizing important national business, which derails progress,” said Nankhumwa, advising MPs to “ensure that this 48th Session of Parliament, led by you, Madam Speaker, goes down in history as the most productive and successful in its legislative, representation and oversight duties.
He said MPs must avoid politicizing important national business in the House “because such conduct poses short as well as long term risks to the integrity of Parliament”.
“Together, let us raise the bar of debate for the sake of our own individual reputation and that of Parliament,” he said.
Nankhumwa also faulted MCP for appointing an ‘Interim’ Leader of Opposition, arguing that the position does not exist in the Standing Orders governing Parliament in Malawi.
“MCP appointed Honourable Lobin Lowe as ‘Interim’ Leader of Opposition in June soon after elections. I would want to urge MCP to put their house in order and appoint a permanent Leader of Opposition instead of playing hide and seek,” he said.
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Stupid suggestion nankhumwa. Shame on you and everyone who supports the equally stupid idea. Heartless people
Kondwani Nankhumwa has goofed big time with this one! Actually I would suggest that MPs should cut their allowances and salaries by half! The Constituency development fund to be controlled by tthe people themselves and accounted for to the last tambala! MPs do not deserve their perks even as it is now, so adding more benefits to them is adding salt to the injury of poor Malawians. Amene akuona kuti ndalama za MP sizikumukwana asaimile u MP basi!! We dont need you..dishonourables, we need real representatives not the money seeking and good for nothing so called honourable looters we have… Read more »
stature ngati cithumwa ca mwanaveka.kuganiza ngati mphevu
This is another good reason for Malawians to demonstrate…. Nakhumwa why do you want to add more “Madando” to the already long list of madando we have??
why cant you talk to NICO and Old Mutual to create MP pension mechanism
Be ware of the dog Nankhumwa! He is advancing his ambitions to be liked and favoured for the post of presidency! His suggestions are not sustainable considering the poverty endured by Malawians! How should Malawians be expected to shoulder the welfare of an MP that serves 5 years during which time he/she gets all the privileges of loans, allowances and salaries that make Malawi appear as if it’s a rich nation? On the other hand I though all of you MPs tell Malawians to vote for you because you want to serve them? Where is that spirit gone then? Nankhumwa… Read more »
Nankumwa dont be stupid with your stupid suggestions. You receive all that money in allowances and salaries yet you want us to contiune looking after you. I also dont like this idea of looking after retired president. We will find almost 30 percent of our budget being spent on such useless liabilities. After these people have run down our country, stolen, looted they want us to continue looking for them after they retire. This is like giving a gift to a rapist after he rapes your wife. Down with Nankhumwa. May be he wats to be relevant as the fight… Read more »
Kodi ndekuti kummwerako ndalama za Boma mumaziona ngati zamasiye eti? This is Muluzi kind of thinking! MPs are already unjustifiably compensated comparatively! Nonse alhomwe Ndi achawa munangobadwa okuba basi? Tingogawanapo apa! Takanikana
That is nonsense looking after ex-MPs why? Nankhumwa must not be taken serious on this one. Remember the money the MPs shared amongst themselves
Instead of thinking of alliviating the poverty of the poor Malawians thru ur Admarc that u r heading by sourcing foreign markets to be buying crops in dollars, u want to add more wealth on former MPs? Hon Nankhumwa mukumakondwera kumaona anthu akumangolima koma kumakhalabe mu umphawi koma mumtima mukudziwa kuti maiko akunja akufuna mbeu zosiyanasiyana koma inu mu Parliament kumangokambirana zokongola ndalama zomangira ma stadium.