Malawi Parliament rises

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Malawi Parliament

…Nine bills passed

…K1.3 trillion budget for citizens

As Members of Parliament (MPs) closed business for the budget sitting, absenteeism, nine bills and the passing of K1.3 trillion 2018/19 budget were among issues that stood out.

During the two month period, government through leader of the House Kondwani Nankhumwa has been faulting absenteeism by some lawmakers.

Parliament
Parliament was hit by absenteeism.

Though speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya was reported to have backed MPs who were absent as he argued they were on duty equally to the sitting, leader of the House disclosed Malawians need to see their representatives in the House.

The legislators also passed nine bills including public procurement and disposal of assets bill which among others, limit the powers of the president by proposing the appointment of an independent board to oversee operations at the Office of Public Procurement.

Passing of the bill saw political and social analyst Emily Mkamanga commending parliamentarians saying that the bill seeks to deter corruption especially in the procurement and disposal of public assets.

The MPs also approved K1.3 trillion as budget for the 2017/18 fiscal year, with tax being placed on Television subscription and scrapping of Value Added Tax (VAT) on milk.

The K1.3 trillion budget has put smile on teachers who are to be employed after staying for years without getting a job in public schools due to financial challenges faced by the country.

Leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera is reported to have warned against corruption arguing the budget will be a mere dream if cases of corruption are to be on the rise.

The MPs are to meet in November to continue business for the House.