LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-Speaker of Parliament Sameer Gaffar Suleman, has called on Members of Parliament (MPs) to work diligently in parliamentary committees, emphasizing that these committees are the engine rooms of Parliament.
Suleman made the call during the opening of a two-day orientation for MPs on parliamentary committees in Lilongwe.
The Speaker stressed that committees play a crucial role in transforming Parliament into a functioning system of checks and balances.
“We are here to work, and work begins in the committees. Expect that I will expect you to work. I will need regular reports from the committees, I will ask for programmes because I will rely on these committees to work effectively,” Suleman said.
He emphasized the importance of MPs questioning, probing, and demanding accountability on behalf of the people who elected them.
The orientation aims to introduce MPs to best practices on gender-responsive budgeting and budget analysis, crucial for committee work.
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative Chika-Charles Aniekwe noted that the orientation is timely, as it will equip MPs with the necessary skills to effectively carry out their committee duties.
MPs are expected to resume sitting on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., following the opening of the First Meeting in the 52nd Session of Parliament by President Arthur Peter Mutharika last week.
