Leader of Opposition in Parliament (LoP) George Chaponda has expressed dissatisfaction over government’s continued disregard for the proper legislative process.
In his sine-die statement on the Mid-Year Budget Review Meeting, Chaponda said none of the bills presented in the House satisfied the 28-day notice required for Members of Parliament to scrutinize and consult stakeholders.
“Madam Speaker, as a result, these bills were hurriedly passed with minimal debate, undermining the integrity of our law-making process. Among these, Bill 29 of 2024 namely the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Production and Supply), amendment bill and Bill 26 of 2024, related to insurance, stand out as one requiring further scrutiny.
“I urge President Chakwera not to assent to this bill, as I fear it may serve narrow interests rather than the broader needs of our people. History will judge us harshly for enacting bad laws.
“Madam Speaker, it is troubling that the government continues to abuse its numerical strength in this house. With the majority they hold, they could champion bills and policies to improve the lives of ordinary Malawians.
Instead, they have chosen to advance suspicious and self-serving agendas, leaving the welfare of our people unaddressed,” said Chaponda
While he commended President Chakwera for fulfilling his constitutional obligation to appear in Parliament, Chaponda said his presence was a missed opportunity to demonstrate true leadership, Instead, he focused on justifying his administration’s failures, blaming external factors rather than taking responsibility.
“Madam Speaker, the President’s excuses for his administration’s inability to meet even the most basic expectations of governance were disheartening,” he said
