Fi r s t Deputy Speaker Madalitso Kazombo yesterday adjourned proceedings in Parliament soon after lunch break following disorderly conduct displayed by members of Parliament (MPs).
He made his ruling based on the chaos that emanated from a disagreement on whether the House should impeach Blantyre City South East parliamentarian Sameer Suleman for allegedly conducting himself in ways “void of leadership qualities”.
When the members failed to heed his call for order, Kazombo said: “According to Standing Order 12 Sub section 2, the House is in disorder. House adjourned!”
When it was proposed that Suleman be impeached, Kazombo tried to defend the MP, arguing that such a motion could not be moved when the parliamentarian was not present in the House.
The First Deputy Speaker said: “Using my powers as a chair, I am saying that rules of justice must apply, the Honourable Member must be heard.”
Explaining the matter to the press, Leader of the House Richard Chimwendo-Banda said the leadership of the House could not comment as the matter arose under Private Members Day.
He, however, explained that members were baying for Suleman’s blood because they felt for several times, conducted in a manner which the MPs felt was not worthy of a leader.
It all started when Dedza Central East legislator Joshua Malango (Malawi Congress Party) asked whether it was in order for Suleman to be conducting business as chairperson of Agriculture Committee of Parliament when he was on suspension from the House.
A heated debate erupted, which led to suggestions to have Suleman impeached as committee chair.
