MPs shunning deliberations in the National Assembly despite pocketing seating allowances

Malawi Parliament continues to be saddled with absenteeism and lateness of legislatures in the chamber despite pocketing huge sums of money.

Members of Parliament (MPs) get K40 000 per day as subsistence allowance and K10 000 sitting allowance which is paid out before the meeting starts.

This week and late last week, the national Assembly has been hit with low turnout of lawmakers with others reporting late in the chamber.

On Tuesday during question time, some of the questions had to be differed to Thursday due to the absenteeism of some members.

Speaking in an interview with the press, Government Chief Whip Henry Mussa said government is deeply concerned with the malpractice.

Mussa said government will take the issue to the business committee next week to see if members can be given their allowances based on attendance.

During previous seating of Parliament, Speaker of National Assembly Richard Msowoya also warned the MPs to desist from the tendency.

Msowoya pointed out that absenteeism was denting the image of Parliament in the eyes of the public and having a negative effect on businesses on the floor of the august house.

Standing Orders 41 (3) states: “A member who is absent without seeking leave of absence shall forfeit all allowances during the period of absence.”

The Speaker can grant leave of absence, according to Standing Orders 206 (3), on the two grounds of illness or family emergency to enable an MP attend to public business locally or abroad