MPs 137% pay hike in limbo

Malawi President Joyce Banda is still waiting for the proposed new salaries for legislators from the Parliamentary Service Commission before she can append her signature or not.

But sources have said it is highly unlikely that the President will approve the 137 percent basic salary increase being sought by the MPs.

According to sources, it would be insincere to approve increments of such magnitude when Malawi is crying for more donor support and running a recovery budget.

By law, only the President has authority to approve salaries and any allowances for MPs.

Section 4 of the National Assembly Emoluments Act reads: “The Members [MPs] shall be paid from monies provided for the purpose of Parliament, salaries, fees and allowances in respect of their services as members at such rate as the President may from time to time by order publish in The Gazette authorise.”

State House press secretary Steve Nhlane said the President is yet to see any proposals from Parliament on the salary increments.

“But in any case, the President’s duty is to approve, so it will be seen when it comes,” said Nhlane.

‘Consultations going on’

Minister of Finance Ken Lipenga on Monday said consultations are still ongoing on the matter and that no decision has been made yet.

MPs want their perks increased by an average of about 50 percent which will see their total lump sum jump from K581 500 (about $2 326) to K875 000 (about $3 500).

Other sources said Treasury already wrote the President on the matter, proposing an average of 18 percent increase.

In another interview, Malawi Congress of Trade Unions (MCTU) secretary general Robert Mkwezalamba said the union has also received information that Treasury has suggested  an 18 percent increase.

“That is OK because it is within the civil service average, but we would have loved if both MPs and civil servants got between 60 and 70 percent increase,” said Mkwezalamba.