Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman on Thursday ruled against bringing the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) issue back to the House, telling lawmakers bluntly that “there are some battles you cannot win.”
The ruling sparked heated exchanges in the chamber and forced an early adjournment during Private Members’ Day after opposition legislators protested the decision.
Lilongwe Mpenu Member of Parliament Eisenhower Mkaka rose on a point of order, reminding the House that “Malawi is a constitutional democracy,” and argued that the Constitution binds all arms of government.
Mkaka cited provisions which state that the National Assembly may regulate its own procedure, insisting that “the Constitution is supreme… over and above the standing orders that we have.”
But Speaker Suleman stood firm, saying his authority is also derived from the Constitution and exercised through the Standing Orders of Parliament.
“I have made my ruling on that subject, and that matter is closed. My ruling is final,” Suleman said, refusing to entertain further points of order on the issue.
He cautioned members against escalating the matter into a confrontation with the Executive, urging dialogue instead of what he described as a combative approach.
“As a fellow MP, I know all decisions cannot please everyone… but you should also understand there are some battles you cannot win,” Suleman said.
Malawi Congress Party Chief Whip Moses Kumkuyu criticized the Speaker’s handling of the matter, saying parliamentary rules were “suffering in the process.”
Kumkuyu argued that the House had reached a division stage on the supplementary order paper and questioned why it was allowed if it was procedurally irregular, adding that “the Constitution gives powers to this House to shape its own business.”
Deputy Leader of the House Shadric Namalomba dismissed the day’s sitting as a waste of public resources, saying there was “nothing” substantive discussed despite the costs involved.
He maintained that the matter rests with the Executive, urging patience and stating, “Allow the President to execute it… at the appropriate time he is going to communicate what decision has been taken,” as tensions persist over the future of the CDF.
