Mutharika “shuts down” Parliament

Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika has prorogued the House until the 40th Budget Session scheduled to start next in May 2008, a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly Louis Chimango, sources at State House have revealed to Nyasa Times.

Parliament met this morning but adjourned after the Speaker could not provide a definite answer to a backbencher’s question who wanted enlightenment on what was being done to the Section 65 petitions since all injunctions had been withdrawn.

Government was incensed throwing the House to a turmoil that forced the Speaker to temporarily adjourn the sitting to pave way for the business committee to meet.

While Parliament was in adjournment, President Mutharika sent a memorandum to the Speaker's office instructing him to announce the prolongation of the National Assembly.

Chimango’s letter addressed to Leader of the House, Leader of Opposition, and Business Committee members say Mutharika has "shut down" Parliament with effect from 12:30 pm today.

“I hereby inform you that I received a communication from His Excellency the President that the current 39th Session has been prorogued with effect from 12:30 pm today, Friday 13th September 2007,” Chimango’s letter reads.

Sources say the Attorney General Pastor Jane Ansah advised the executive that since the injunctions were made under the court’s seal, they could not simply be withdrawn.

Mutharika has prorogued the House in accordance to Section 59 (1b) of the Constitution.

"the President may, in consultation with the Speaker of the relevant Chamber, prorogue the National Assembly or the Senate."

An analyst who did not want to be named accused the executive of “shear deceit and not acting in good faith as the parliamentary standoff resolution was a win – win situation.

“It is very bad for a man whose reputation is so smeared with deceitfulness to trick legislators by prolonging the parliamentary sitting,” he said.

Business committee will meet on Monday, 11:00 am and all opposition parties have said will be holding emergency meetings to map the way forward on how to counter Mutharika’s “deceitful” maneuvers. The parties are likely to hold a joint caucus on Monday as well.