Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) has asked Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman to bring to book legislators who miss parliamentary proceedings, stating that the conduct is a threat to democracy. In a statement issued on Tuesday, CHRR executive director Michael Kaiyatsa said the conduct of the members of Parliament (MPs) is affecting representation of Malawians who trusted the legislators to represent them in Parliament. He said absenteeism also weakens the oversight function of Parliament, urging the Speaker to come up with sanctions and other measures to deal with habitual absenteeism and political party House leaders should ensure their members act responsibly.
The concern by CHRR follows the absence of 77 MPs on Tuesday when the House passed the Taxation Amendment Bill and when Parliament started yesterday, only 42 members were present. In an interview yesterday, Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman said his office will take the necessary action on the matter. “My office is looking at the issue with the seriousness it deserves,” he said.
Malawi Congress Party whip Moses Kunkuyu acknowledged that leaders of political parties in the House have also taken note of the absenteeism of some MPs. On his part, UTM Party chief whip Felix Njawala said while some members may have valid reasons for not being present, frequent absenteeism is worrisome hence MPs need to understand the importance of being in the chamber for deliberations.
