Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman is gaining support as pressure mounts on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) over its opposition to the Speaker’s push for stronger parliamentary oversight.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is among organisations and politicians backing Suleman’s intention to establish non-partisan parliamentary committees to investigate public concerns surrounding the running of some government departments, agencies and ministries.
PAC spokesperson Gilford Matonga said the National Assembly has an oversight role to play in a democratic dispensation, adding that the proposed committees would help the government run smoothly through checks and balances.
Matonga said such oversight was particularly important amid growing concerns over the delivery of critical public services.
He, however, said the DPP, as a political party, has the right to express its views on the matter but should recognise that the Speaker represents the interests of all Malawians whose representatives sit in the August House.
Matonga said the issue should not be politicised, arguing that parliamentary oversight is part of the democratic process and should be allowed to serve the public interest.
Meanwhile, political expert George Phiri said Suleman had not overstepped his mandate or undermined the President, but was instead ensuring that those entrusted with public responsibilities exercise their powers within the limits of their mandate.
