No daily allowances for absent MPs—Musowa

First Deputy Speaker Victor Musowa yesterday ruled that members of Parliament (MPs) who absent themselves without notifying the Speaker’s office should forfeit their daily allowances. He said this yesterday after expressing concern over worsening absenteeism in the House. When Musowa entered the chamber for the morning session, it was almost empty.

He observed that the only legislators present were three from Malawi Congress Party (MCP), two from UTM Party and some a handful of independents and from the government. The low turnout prompted Leader of the House Jappie Mhango to ask a roll call. Although Musowa allowed five minutes for MPs and ministers to enter before proceeding, only a few trickled in.

The roll call established that 71 MPs and Cabinet ministers were present, while 159 were absent, representing about 69 percent absenteeism. Musowa then ruled that all MPs who are absent during the roll call would not receive their allowances for the day, even if they arrive later. “This is very saddening.

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The Office of the Speaker is deeply concerned with the persistent absenteeism of honourable members. Most members who are absent have not sought leave,” he said. On his part, Mhango, who is also Minister of Transport and Public Works, said MPs should be ashamed of their conduct, noting that there has been little improvement despite repeated concerns about attendance and punctuality.

“We were elected to represent our people. Representation is not standing outside but sitting in this honourable chamber,” he said. Government Chief Whip Patricia Wiskes supported the ruling, saying party whips will intensify efforts to ensure members report on time.

MCP Chief Whip Moses Kunkuyu said absenteeism and late reporting had become habitual and stressed that attendance was not optional. He also faulted the government bench for failing to lead by example, saying ministers are often late or absent even on government business days. “Last Thursday, the Speaker walked in when there was no single government MP.

Yesterday, there was no single minister. Today, there were only about five ministers present,” said Kunkuyu.

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