The United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) has outlined four legislations it calls ‘critical’ for newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) to consider when they meet for the 2019/20 Budget Session.
Addressing the MPs after a week’s parliamentary committees’ orientation in Lilongwe on Thursday, Unicef Deputy Country Representative Dr Tedla Damte said MPs should seriously act on the four legislations, which are National Children’s Commission Act, the Food and Nutrition Bill; Public Finance Management Act (2003) and Adoption of Children Bill.
“Parliament is a critical arm of government because all other arms implement or enforce what Parliament processes. I, therefore, urge you to act on these four legislations as you meet for the National Budget Session,” said Damte.
In a separate interview, Speaker of Parliament Catherine Gotani Hara said she will guide the House on the four legislations and let MPs deliberate them and give direction as procedure demands.
She said the orientation programme, which was organised with support from Unicef and the United Nations (UN), was aimed at teaching the legislators how they can use their committees to effectively contribute to national development.
Parliamentarians are expected to convene for the 48th Session of Parliament from September 9 to October 11 2019 when Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Joseph Mwanamvekha is expected to table his 2019/20 National Budget for scrutiny.
