LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-In a rare show of legislative self-restraint, Anthony Masamba has called on Malawi’s Members of Parliament to reduce their own salaries and fuel allowances in support of President Peter Mutharika’s government’s austerity measures.

Masamba posed a pointed question in Parliament — “Is it right for us to enjoy full salaries and fuel benefits while imposing punitive measures on poor Malawians?”

His appeal underscores a growing recognition among some lawmakers that public servants should share the pain in times of national economic distress.

Masamba’s stance comes as the government rolls out a sweeping package of budget-cutting measures intended to rein in recurring expenditure and stabilise public finances.

Among the austerity steps recently announced are a freeze on new staff recruitment, a suspension of promotions without Treasury approval, and a prohibition on the purchase of new government vehicles.

Fuel entitlements for ministers and senior public officers — a traditional perk enjoyed by the political elite — have been cut by 30%.

These moves follow pressure from economic experts, who warn that growing public debt, inflation and fiscal imbalance demand urgent corrective action.

Against this backdrop, Masamba’s call resonates as both morally compelling and politically significant.

He argued that lawmakers cannot in good conscience retain full benefits when ordinary Malawians face rising hardship — a point that taps directly into questions of equity, legitimacy, and public trust.

His remarks triggered murmurs of disagreement in the chamber, showing that not all legislators are ready to embrace austerity in their own ranks.

The First Deputy Speaker responded by urging Masamba to formalise the proposal through a Private Member’s Bill if he wished to advance the idea.

Beyond the symbolism, the proposal has significant structural implications for governance in Malawi.

If implemented, a cut in MPs’ remuneration and perks could meaningfully reduce the wage burden on the exchequer — a burden which, according to recent budget data, has swollen alarmingly.

Statutory payments — including wages, pensions and debt servicing — now consume about 89 percent of domestic revenue, squeezing out resources for development, education, and health.

Indeed, debt-servicing costs have grown so large that they reportedly exceed combined allocations for education and health in the 2025/26 budget.

In such a context, even modest reductions in allowances and perks for high-income public officials could free up resources for critical sectors.

Masamba’s appeal also raises broader questions about political accountability and the social contract between representatives and the citizenry.

If MPs are willing to share the sacrifice — rather than merely demand more from taxpayers — it could strengthen public confidence in political leadership.

Conversely, failure to act might reinforce perceptions of privilege, disconnect, and hypocrisy among the political class — especially at a time when many Malawians struggle to cope with rising cost of living, inflation, and reduced public services.

The call for internal austerity among lawmakers also complements external pressure from economists and civil society groups demanding disciplined public spending and prudent fiscal management.

But for such a shift to materialize, structural reforms and political will are needed.

A Private Member’s Bill, as suggested by the First Deputy Speaker, would need to be drafted, debated, and passed — a process that could test political courage and unity, especially among those accustomed to generous allowances.

Moreover, any reduction must be transparent and legally binding, to avoid symbolic gestures that are reversed as soon as public attention wanes.

In a country where government debt is soaring, borrowing is increasing, and revenue mobilisation remains fragile, Masamba’s call signals a potential turning point.

It aligns with the logic of austerity but also injects a moral dimension: that those who benefit most when times are good should also share the burden when times are hard.

For Malawi, this could mark the beginning of a deeper paradigm shift — from public service as a pathway to personal enrichment, to public service as a genuine act of stewardship.

If the idea gains momentum, it could pave the way for more far-reaching reforms: a leaner legislature, reduced perks, and a stronger alignment between public interest and political remuneration.

Ultimately, the test will be whether words translate into action.

Will MPs be willing to lead by example, sacrificing their own perks for the greater good? Or will this remain a symbolic gesture, aborted by entrenched interests?

Only time — and the courage of the Legislature — will tell.

The Maravi Post