By Cathy Maulidi
Members of Parliament (MPs) have lined up a number of questions for President Lazarus Chakwera, who is scheduled to appear before the House Wednesday afternoon.
Second Deputy Speaker Aisha Adams told the lawmakers Tuesday that Chakwera will arrive at Parliament building for a question-and-answer session as required by the Constitution and Parliament Standing Orders.
“These are questions arising from the State of the nation address which was delivered in the House on Friday, 9th February 2024 by the State President,” Adams said.
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Information The Daily Times has sourced indicates there will be more questions on the current dry spell and what the President is doing to help Malawians who have been hit hard by hunger.
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On the approved questions that have also already been sent to Chakwera, MP for Thyolo Thava is the one expected to make the main enquiry on hunger.
“Despite the fact that the Ministry of Agriculture is yet to release a report of agriculture production estimates for this season, going around the fields across the country, it is clear that production will be low.
“What measures is your government putting in place to cover the expected shortfall and… avert a prolonged hunger crisis,” Navicha’s question to the President reads.
Confirming the question, the lawmaker said she may pose more questions depending on Chakwera’s response.
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MP for Chikwawa West Susan Dossi is also expected to ask the President a question on plans to make sure farmers adopt irrigation farming all over Malawi beyond the Shire Valley, where a mega project is being implemented.
“Mega farms are one of the very important initiatives which your government has committed to implement to enhance agricultural production and commercialisation.
“Your Excellency, Sir, most farmers in Malawi rely on rain-fed agriculture. What plans have you put in place to make sure that all farmers adopt irrigation farming system?” Dossi’s question reads.
The MPs are also expected to ask questions on non-hunger and non-agriculture issues.
MP for Nkhata Bay South East Noah Chimpeni is set to ask the President a question on the moving of 22 accounts of State-owned enterprises to the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM).
Apparently, this is aimed at stopping government from borrowing its own money from commercial banks.
“Is there a special reason why this noble policy could not be extended to all State-owned enterprises including the fully subvented and commercial ones? Why do it in phases?” Chimpeni’s question reads.
Question number five and last on the list of main questions is coming from Zomba Central MP Bester Awali, who wants to ask Chakwera on the status of gold that RBM has been buying.
Awali is wondering why the central bank “is not selling the gold to boost forex reserves”.
He also wants to know if the gold will be sold in raw or processed condition.
“If processed, where will the processing take place? Within Malawi or outside Malawi so that we are not duped,” he queries.
Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo Banda has since asked the MPs to utilise the time by asking questions that benefit Malawians.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Defenders Coalition Chairperson Gift Trapence has urged the MPs to use the opportunity to ask the President tough questions on realities on the ground, especially on hunger, the dry spell and government’s plan of making food available to people.
“MPs should ask the President how his government will grow the economy, how the government will cushion Malawians who have been hugely affected by the high cost of living.
“They should ask how his government will fast-track development projects, especially the road networks that are delaying. They should also ask how government is going to improve the management of [Affordable Inputs Programme],” Trapence said.
A good governance expert working with Transparency Initiative, Nicholas Mwisama, has urged the lawmakers to treat the interface with Chakwera as a serious national duty from where Malawians expect meaningful engagement on national policy matters “and nothing else”.
“Malawians look forward to hearing policy questions, such as how the resuscitation of the Malawi Development Corporation will boost the economy. We need a clear and measurable plan over a specific period.
“It is also very important for MPs to engage the President on his practical commitment to dealing with corruption,” Mwisama said.
