MCP, PP gang up to remove Namalomba

Some 13 members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) mainly from Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and People’s Party (PP) have ganged up to remove Shadreck Namalomba as PAC chairperson for allegedly displaying incompetence and misbehaviour.

In a notice of intention to move a motion to remove the chairperson, the 13 members – who have appended their signature in support of this move, cite Namalomba’s recent statement, as Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson, against the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) as a major ground for his dismissal.

But other members opposed to this decision argue that Namalomba has demonstrated good leadership as PAC chair and that this intended removal is merely meant to weaken PAC and not provide checks and balances to the MCP – led administration.

Reads the notice: “That Hon Shadreck Namalomba, MP be removed from the position of chairperson of Public accounts Committee having displayed serious incompetence and misbehavior which has been occasioned by his inability to provide objective leadership as anticipated by Standing Order 171 (4)(c),  when he issued a statement, in defence of the former Head of State concerning a matter which is under investigation by the ACB and which statement, as current committee members of Public Accounts, construe as having serious  potential to undermine Public Accounts Committee mandate in our future oversight dealings with the ACB in matters of public finances as well as conflict of interest, unless the Honourable Member is removed as Chairperson of this Committee.”

Four out of the 13 members that are in favour of the removal of the chair confirmed to have appended their signatures and that they believe that the chairperson has failed in his duties – merely based on his ACB statement.

In a telephone interview yesterday one of the aggrieved MCP legislators George Zulu said it is justifiable to have the chair removed for his “attack” on a governance institution such as ACB undermines the efforts of such institutions.

“As PAC, our main duty is to protect public resources, so are institutions such as ACB; hence, having the chairperson attacking such institutions undermines not just our role but also of these governance institutions. He has put us in an awkward situation. If we meet ACB how do we take them to account for their work when we are in the forefront interfering in their operations?” wondered Zulu.

His sentiments were echoed by three other pro-motion MPs who refused to be named.

But deputy chairperson for PAC Nedson Poya who is against the removal of the chair—said the basis for removing a chairperson—who has displayed competence in his undertakings is not reasonable. Poya said it would have made sense if Namalomba had failed in his duties – not necessary because he doubles as spokesperson for DPP.

“Honestly, Namalomba has demonstrated quality leadership at PAC and I guess his removal has nothing to do with his performance but just politics. The biggest losers are Malawians who are deprived of proper leadership at PAC. PAC needs someone with a solid character like Namalomba,” argued Poya.

Asked if he thinks the grounds advanced for the removal of the chair are enough, Poya said most members in the House hold positions in their political parties and if that is not good then everyone must be dismissed on that premise.

“I am worried. If this is the way we will be doing business then we are killing democracy and good governance. I cannot forward my name for PAC chairmanship because I also hold a position in UDF as acting treasurer general. The speaker is deputy secretary general for MCP – then why targeting just one individual” queried the UDF parliamentarian.

Another member of the committee , who is against the motion, claimed that the chair is targeted for removal because of his strength and “lack of fear”.

Said the member: “His recent remarks that PAC must probe about the presidential jet has sent jitters. And here we have a government embroiled in some issues including suspicious oil deals which PAC would want to look into. I do not think they will need a strong chair”.

Commenting on the matter, Chancellor College-based political analyst Ernest Thindwa said the impeachment is justifiable because Namalomba’s position had become untenable following his statement on ACB.

“By the very nature of the job of PAC, the chairperson did not need to give such careless remarks about ACB. Here is ACB working hard to fight corruption and protect public funds exactly what PAC stands for and then you have a chair undermining these efforts.

“The former President has issues with ACB involving billions of kwacha PAC ought to be supportive of ACB instead of pulling in different directions. The issue is not about him doubling as spokesperson but about what he said in relation to his position. So I find the motion justifiable,” he said.

The procedure to remove the chair requires that there should be a notice which has to be to be supported by one third of the Committee. PAC has 21 members – meaning the notice has to be supported by just seven members. 

After that the chairperson has a right to respond within seven days before the notice is submitted to the Clerk of Parliament, the chairperson and the Speaker. Upon expiration of the seven days’ notice, a motion for removal will be moved and will have to be supported by two thirds of the Members.

Once moved and supported by two thirds, a copy of the Motion shall be submitted to the Speaker. And it shall not be debated until the 14 days have elapsed. After these 14 days, if no other decision has been made by the Committee, the Chairperson is validly removed. The Committee shall report this decision to the Assembly.