Speaker of the National Assembly, Sameer Suleman, has commended members of parliament for their commitment during the third meeting of the 52nd Session of Parliament.
Speaking in Parliament on Friday as the Parliament rose sine die, Suleman thanked President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for his support to the august house, including approving a one-week extension that allowed the house to pass 12 bills and for approving Malawi to host the 55th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association which commence from 9th to 16th August 2026.
He also commended committees for their diligence, singling out the Public Accounts Committee and the ad hoc Committee on the Chikangawa plane crash for ongoing inquiries.
“I urged cabinet ministers to respond to adopted committee reports within 14 days as required by standing order 186 and I call upon members of parliament to focus on urgent issues affecting Malawians”, he explained
Suleman also flagged absenteeism as a serious concern, stressing that attendance in plenary and committee sitings is a fundamental duty that upholds the credibility of Parliament.
He then announced the Second Cohort of the Parliamentary Training Programme which will run from 17th August to 4th September 2026 and reminded the Executive to ensure timely circulation of bills to allow effective scrutiny.
He also applauded improved ministerial attendance, with special recognition to the Minister of Health for answering the most questions during the meeting.
Leader of the House, Jappie Mhango, said government is making tangible progress in addressing challenges facing Malawians and that even the opposition is acknowledging it.
Mhango said government has addressed the hunger situation and strengthened national security, noting that incidents of panga-wielding criminals are no longer being seen.
He concluded that while global factors like the war in the Middle East are affecting Malawi and its neighbors, the government remains focused on modernising and growing the economy.