By Burnett Munthali
In her remarks following the conclusion of a discussion at the Malawi Parliament building in Lilongwe today, Speaker of the National Assembly, Catherine Gotani Hara, issued a stern warning to political leaders, urging them not to use the legislative body as a platform for advancing political agendas.
Hara’s message came after political leaders from various parties engaged in a heated exchange of views during the meeting, which was intended to discuss important national matters. She emphasized that the National Assembly should remain a neutral space for meaningful dialogue and the development of the country, rather than a venue for partisan politics.
“If political leaders continue to use Parliament as a venue for political manipulation, I will have no choice but to take action to ensure the institution’s credibility and integrity,” said Hara. She expressed that any future political discussions should be focused on the welfare of the nation and its citizens, rather than on political party interests.
The Speaker also addressed the Members of Parliament (MPs), urging them to prioritize the needs of the country over individual or party ambitions. She called on them to contribute constructively to the deliberations, ensuring that discussions are rooted in solutions and not in political gamesmanship.
In addition to her comments on political discourse, Hara also highlighted the unfinished business of two critical Bills, which failed to be passed today due to the absence of a sufficient number of MPs. She reiterated that all MPs should ensure their attendance in future sessions, as the Bills are essential for the country’s development.
The discussions had initially begun on November 25, 2024, with the aim of reviewing the progress of the 2024/2025 national budget, presented by Minister of Finance, Simplex Chithyola Banda. The deliberations are scheduled to continue until December 20, 2024, with further discussions on the financial year’s economic framework.
Despite the political tensions, Speaker Gotani Hara’s call for order and respect within the Parliament was a reminder of the importance of upholding the dignity of the institution, especially during such crucial times for Malawi’s future.
