The ascension of Sameer Suleman and Victor Musowa to the positions of Speaker and First Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, respectively, has sent ripples through the corridors of power in Malawi.
One notable figure who appears to be losing sleep over this development is none other than former Speaker Catherine Gotani Hara.
According to sources close to the matter, Hara is said to be wary of the new leadership, fearing that she will be held accountable for her actions during her tenure as Speaker.
It’s no secret that Hara’s tenure was marked by controversy and allegations of bias.
Her propensity for suspending opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) without valid reasons sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing her of undermining the democratic process.
The opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) was particularly vocal about her perceived bias, alleging that she was more interested in serving the interests of the then-ruling party than in upholding the rules of Parliament.
Given her track record, it’s hardly surprising that Hara would be anxious about the new leadership.
Sameer Suleman, the new Speaker, has already put the cat among the pigeons with his assertion that “let bygones be bygones.” While this might be seen as a gesture of goodwill, it’s clear that Hara is not convinced.
She’s reportedly fearful that she will face the music for her actions, and rightly so.
In an interview with this reporter, Suleman emphasized his commitment to professionalism and fairness in the discharge of his duties.
“We will serve the MPs with professionalism guided by house rules and standing orders, not personal wishes,” he said.
Victor Musowa echoed these sentiments, stating that they have no plans to punish Hara but will instead focus on executing their duties with utmost diligence.
This commitment to professionalism is precisely what Malawi’s Parliament needs. For too long, the House has been plagued by partisan bickering and accusations of bias.
The new leadership has a golden opportunity to restore the dignity of the institution and ensure that it serves the people of Malawi, rather than the interests of a particular party or individual.
It’s worth noting that Hara’s fears are not entirely unfounded. During her tenure, she consistently demonstrated a disregard for the rules and conventions of Parliament.
Her actions were often seen as arbitrary and capricious, and her treatment of opposition MPs was particularly harsh.
It’s hard to imagine that she would be concerned about facing accountability for her actions when she’s been given a free pass for so long.
In light of this, it’s commendable that Suleman and Musowa are taking a different approach.
By committing to professionalism and fairness, they’re sending a strong signal that things will be done differently under their watch.
This is a welcome development, and one that should be applauded by all those who believe in the importance of accountability and transparency in government.
As the new leadership settles into their roles, it’s essential that they remain committed to their stated principles.
The people of Malawi are watching, and they expect nothing but the best from their elected representatives.
The days of partisan bickering and bias should be behind us. It’s time for a new era of professionalism and accountability in Parliament.
Catherine Gotani Hara would do well to take a leaf from the new leadership’s book.
Rather than fearing accountability, she should take this opportunity to reflect on her actions and ensure that she never again conducts herself in a manner that undermines the integrity of Parliament.
The people of Malawi deserve better, and it’s time that their elected representatives started acting like it.
The ascension of Sameer Suleman and Victor Musowa to the leadership of the National Assembly is a welcome development.
Their commitment to professionalism and fairness is a breath of fresh air, and it’s something that should be commended.
As they settle into their roles, it’s essential that they remain true to their word and ensure that Parliament serves the people of Malawi, rather than the interests of a particular party or individual.
The days of partisan bickering and bias should be behind us, and it’s time for a new era of accountability and transparency in government.
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