OPPOSITION MPs SHOWCASE ANGER IN AUGUST HOUSE

Opposition MPs wear sack clothes

 

Opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) turned up at Parliament in sackcloth as President Lazarus Chakwera was set to take Sona.

 

The opposition MPs put-on jackets, trousers, dresses and blouses beautifully tailored from sackcloth. 

 

Speaking to the media, some of the MPs said they have done a deed to showcase their anger over the worsening economic situation in the country.

 

The MPs spotted out that, Malawians are struggling under the Lazarus Chakwera administration due to a rise in cost of living.

 

Further on the MPs also highlighted issues such as corruption, poor implementation of the Affordable Inputs Program and hunger as some of the issues the government has failed to address.

 

Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara allowed the opposition Members to attend delivery of the State of the Nation Address (Sona) while dressed in sack cloth.

 

Their dressing caused a commotion in the House as Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda stood on point of order, seeking the speaker’s intervention on the matter.

 

But after thorough deliberation on the matter, deputy Leader of the House Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, suggested that the matter be handled later on by the legal affairs committee in order not to waste time.

 

The Speaker then agreed with Chiponda and allowed the MPs dressed in sack cloth to attend Chakwera’s Sona.

 

As per tradition after the address, the President is supposed to take a group photo outside Parliament building with lawmakers from all parties.

 

But the opposition lawmakers led by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) refused to take a group photograph with Chakwera at Parliament building.

 

Speaking to the press leader of opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa said they wanted to use the session to put government in right track for the country to deal with various socioeconomic challenges.

 

Turning to sackcloth displayed by the MPs Nankhumwa said the MPs from his side decided to put on sack cloth to pass a message to the President that Malawians are suffering.

 

He said, despite allocating K109 billion for AIP, their constituents have not yet accessed the fertilizer.

 

According to Nankhumwa, others have only accessed NPK. He says the country this year will experience hunger than ever experienced before.

 

Giving clarity on the conduct by ‘MCP and State House officials’ who were exchanging words with Parliamentarians when President Chakwera was delivering his SONA, Leader of Opposition Kondwani Nankhumwa said the individuals were threatening MPs.

 

“They were taking pictures and threatening to beat us when we leave the House. Honorable Kilekwa was scared because of such threats,” said Nankhumwa.

 

Ned Poya of Zomba Ntonya and Kamlepo Kalua of Rumphi East were also condemned the conduct of the said individuals.

 

Chakwera on Friday 17 February, opened the 50th session of Parliament with a State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Parliament building.