Parliament rises as Chaponda becomes ‘Man of the House’

Malawi Parliament rose on Friday after a nine week seating which saw a swift enactment of the Anatomy Act and the passing of the K1.1 trillion budget among other highlights.

During the scrutiny of the budget, the opposition took government to task on why it wanted to buy eight vehicles for the president’s convoy and why State House wanted to employ more waiters when there was freeze on employment in government.

Mzimba West MP Harry Mkandawire also presented to the House in what he said was evidence that former president Bingu wa Mutharika stashed K92 billion in offshore accounts.

He also presented to parliament in what he claimed to be evidence that the government gave a 35 year lease to Mota Engil to run Lake Malawi.

The House was also unanimous to stop civil servants and public officers from using the Business Committee when travelling due to the current economic problems the country is facing.

They also put their political differences aside and agreed that industrial hemp should be grown in Malawi.

However, ‘Man of the House’ turned out to be Leader of the House George Chaponda. He was caught napping when President Peter Mutharika was opening the House seating nine weeks ago and challenged Mzimba West MP Harry Mkandawire for a one to one bout just towards the end of the seating after Mkandawire told him he was on the list of those involved in the K577 billion cashgate.