Opposition summon Mutharika in Parliament:  MPs to grill Malawi President in question’s time

Opposition legislators say they have summoned President Peter Mutharika to answer questions on food shortages and accessibility as well as the fast decaying economy.

Firebrand Rumphi east MP Kamlepo Kalua has confirmed the summoning, saying he is expected to appear before Parliament this week.

“He was supposed to appear before parliament last Wednesday but as you might be aware, parliament was in committee of supply so he could not come,” said the outspoken Peoples Party vice president.

Kalua assured the President that the opposition would respect his presence, saying it will not be characteristic of South African parliament where the head of state is shouted at and booed by the opposition.

“He will have a dignified and peaceful atmosphere because the issues he will be tackling will be of great national importance. We want him to tackle issues of maize availability and accessibility as some people continue to die or faint. We want him to declare a state of emergency,” he said.

He also said the President should tell the nation how his administration is dealing with the ailing economy that has led to the high cost of living pushing more Malawians in untold poverty and misery.

Leader of the House Francis Kasaira could not be reached for comment but Attorney General Kalekeni Kaphale said the President would attend to such summons if questions are filed in advance.

If Mutharika honours the summon, this will be the first time in over 20 years when a head of state has answered questions in the House after Bakili Muluzi who faced a myriad of questions in mid 1990s from the then leader of opposition Gwanda Chakuamba when parliament was meeting in Zomba.