Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has underscored the need for Parliament to attain financial independence to effectively execute its oversight mandate.
The Speaker said this yesterday in Lilongwe when he opened a workshop for Budget and Finance Committee, the Public Accounts Committee, and the Committee on Commissions, Statutory Corporations and State-Owned Enterprises.
He said reliance on funding from the Executive compromises the effectiveness of parliamentary oversight, especially when investigations implicate members of the Executive.
Said Suleman: “You may recall a high-profile investigation we conducted during the last cohort when I was chairperson of the Agriculture Committee. To date, we have never produced a report.
“This was because the inquiry targeted some members of the Executive and funding for the investigation was withheld. Without financial independence, it becomes meaningless to talk about effective oversight.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker has commended the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for organising the workshop, noting that only about 30 percent of members from the previous Parliament were retained, creating a need to orient new legislators on their oversight responsibilities.
He said: “Effective oversight requires clarity of mandate, technical understanding, independence of thought and collaboration with key accountability institutions.
“It also demands members who are confident in interrogating complex financial and performance information, guided by objectivity, professionalism and the national interest. This orientation workshop is, therefore, a deliberate investment in strengthening the capacity, coherence and credibility of parliamentary oversight.”
In her remarks, UNDP governance portfolio manager Nanise Saune Qaloewa said the programme’s support is anchored in strengthening institutions, enhancing accountability and promoting democratic processes that deliver tangible development outcomes.
She said: “Strong parliamentary oversight contributes directly to macroeconomic stability, improved public trust and sustainable development.”
One of the participating legislators Sylvester Ayuba James said the training will help members better understand the scope and limits of their roles, the distinct functions of the three committees and how they can work collaboratively.
