Hussein calls for assurance committee

As Parliament is set to convene from next week, a political commentator Mustafa Hussein has backed calls for the establishment of an Assurance Committee of Parliament to follow up on answers and promises ministers make when responding to questions.

Speaking in an interview with The Nation, Hussein  said the importance of such a committee cannot be overemphasised as it would help in conducting meaningful oversight of the executive than would be possible by the entire chamber.

“The committee is for the benefit of our democracy. This would help in conducting closer oversight than would be possible by the entire chamber,” he said.

Hussein added that the committee would also reduce mediocrity in ministerial responses to members’ questions and queries thereby elevating democratic tendencies in the legislature.

“Almost all democratic legislatures depend on such committees to enrich democratic tendencies. It’s a pity that some ministers belittle and demean questions and queries from ordinary members of the House,” he said.

He, however, emphasised the need to also strengthen the capacity of existing committees for more effective implementation of policies and projects.

“Existing committees such as the Budget and Finance, Public Accounts and others also need to be strengthened to ensure that there is enough compliance by policy framers,” he said.

During the last sitting of Parliament in July, Chitipa North Member of Parliament (MP) Nick Masebo resurrected the debate on the establishment of the committee as is the case in most Commonwealth countries.

In response, the Leader of the House Henry Phoya assured MPs that government was aware of the matter and that the proposal was being seriously considered.

The Malawi National Assembly has 14 committees established by both the constitution and parliamentary standing orders.