JB getting mixed rating from UK MPs over performance

Malawi’s President Joyce Banda is getting a mixed rating from Members of parliament in the United Kingdom, praising her for the reforms she has undertaken since assuming office and at the same time querying some of her unconstitutional decisions.

In its report, Britain’s House of Commons International Development committee chaired by Malcolm Bruce questions the firing and hiring of some senior government officials.

Some of the officials fired include Reserve Bank Governor Perks Ligoya, Inspector General of Police Peter Mukhito and Secretary to the Treasury Joseph Mwanamveka.

The British lawmakers are also concerned with the failure to invoke section 65 of the constitution despite the evidence that many legislators left their parties to join the ruling PP.

President Banda backtracked on the issue after initially saying the section was costly and not important by saying it was the responsibility of the Speaker to invoke it.

On a positive note, the MPs are asking their government to rethink how it gives aid to Malawi after the change of leadership in April.

Britain suspended direct funding last year amid concerns of human rights violations and economic mismanagement.

They acknowledge that there have been positive changes since President Banda took over such as the normalization of relations between the two countries and the devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha among other changes.

Britain provides over 90 million pounds a year to Malawi.