Malawi’s troubled parliament has suspended the debate of its 2008/09 budget proceedings until further notice following the insecurity which surrounded the House early in the day, Speaker of Parliament Louis Chimango said on Friday.
The “insecurity” came from “concerned citizens” who flocked to the main entrance of the New State House which doubles as parliament to force legislatures to pass the budget failing which they would not leave the ornate premises.
The concerned citizens also barred opposition members from entering the gates, a situation which delayed the parliamentarians, including the speaker and officials from National Assembly secretariat, to convene the house as scheduled.
Chimango said the decision to suspend proceedings came after consultations with the members of the Business Committee of Parliament in order to protect members from the angry group.
“Members will be informed of the dates for the resumption of the debates on the budget process when appropriate,” the Speaker said, adding that the suspension was to ensure that members were able to conduct business in a dignified and productive manner.”
However, civil society activists have expressed worry over the decision to suspend budget proceedings, arguing that the country would lose more in the absence of the budget.
“Development sectors, including crucial areas like health, water and agriculture, among others, will be delayed and poor Malawians in rural areas will not benefit,” he said.
Earlier, President Bingu wa Mutharika had warned that he would suspend parliament if legislatures would not discuss and pass the budget by Friday.
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