Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya yesterday invoked Standing Order 105 to eject Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati on allegations that she made remarks reflecting on clerks of Parliament and himself.
The incident occurred as the Speaker was making consultations with the desk clerks who sit in front of him on a motion tabled by Lilongwe South West member of Parliament Peter Chakhwantha on transferring the powers to appoint the director and deputy director of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from the President to Parliament.
As he was consulting the desk clerks, Kaliati was heard saying: “Iwe usamawauzile amenewo [You, don’t advise him].”
Msowoya warned Kaliati that he would invoke Standing Order 105 on her if she continued talking and when she talked back he followed through on his threat.
“For what? I will not go out if you don’t tell me why,” Kaliati challenged.
But Msowoya issued a stern response: “I will simply strengthen the punishment.”
Kaliati moved out of her seat, but did not leave the chamber until Msowoya finished his address requesting MPs to allow him make decisions without interference.
“Let us observe decorum in this House. I cannot be put in a position where I am unable to make decisions. It doesn’t matter who you are,” Msowoya said.
In reaction after she left the chamber, Kaliati made a lot of unpalatable remarks concerning the Speaker and accused him of being bitter because he was not in government.
