Parliamentarians expected in cabinet

By Richard Chirombo/AEP 

President Bingu wa Mutharika told members of the media yesterday there would be surprises in his yet to be announced cabinet, but political observers have said that, at least, one thing will not come as a surprise: the appointment of sitting Members of Parliament.

Observers have, for the past 15 years of multiparty democracy in Malawi, noted that there was need to exclude sitting MPs from cabinet appointments, a development they say could help ministers operate effectively as they would not be tinted by political affiliation.

The call has, however, been taken heed of by Malawian presidents as they have always tended to pick from within parliament, forcing MPs to wear off their parliamentarian tag as they respond to line (ministry) questions from fellow legislators.

Rafiq Hajat, Executive Director for the think tank Institute for Policy Interaction, said it was certain Mutharika would choose ministers from among MPs.

A sentiment echoed by Kenwilliams Mhango, who said the real surprise would come if Mutharika chose from without parliament.

"Otherwise, the cabinet will bring no surprises when it comes to choosing from sitting MPs. We need to move away from this tendency," said Mhango.

Democratic Progressive Party's spokesperson, Hetherwick Ntaba, said,whatever happens,it is the prelogative of the president to choose cabinet ministers from "anywhere. Be it parliament or private sector or civil society organizations. It is his prelogative," said Ntaba.