LILONGWE, September 2, 2026 — Speaker of Parliament Sameer Gaffar Suleman has called for a Parliament that listens to citizens, responds to their concerns and remains accountable to the people it represents.
Suleman made the call on Wednesday at the inaugural National Parliamentary Indaba held at the Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe, where he said Parliament’s existence and authority ultimately depend on the people of Malawi.
He said the Indaba provides an opportunity to reflect on Parliament’s journey, assess its engagement with citizens and chart a way forward in taking Parliament closer to the people.
“What is Parliament without people?” Suleman asked, stressing that citizens entrust Members of Parliament with the responsibility of representing their interests, making laws and holding Government to account.
The Speaker said the National Parliamentary Indaba also marks the culmination of the Phungu Wanga (My MP) Project, an initiative that has facilitated engagement between Parliament, MPs and communities, particularly in Rumphi, Mchinji and Balaka districts.
According to Suleman, the project has created opportunities for citizens to understand Parliament’s roles and functions, interact with their representatives and raise issues affecting their daily lives.
He said the experience has demonstrated the importance of maintaining a direct relationship between MPs and their constituents, arguing that representation goes beyond occupying a seat in Parliament.
“Representation is not simply about occupying a seat in Parliament. It is about carrying the voices, concerns and aspirations of the people into the national decision-making process,” he said.
Suleman challenged MPs and other parliamentary stakeholders to translate the concerns gathered through community engagements into meaningful action, including legislation, oversight and effective representation.
He particularly highlighted the importance of Private Members’ Bills, saying MPs are often among the first to identify challenges affecting communities and can use legislative initiatives to bring those concerns into the national policy and law-making process.
However, he cautioned that effective legislation requires quality research, evidence, consultation, legal expertise and technical support. He therefore called for continued investment in Parliament’s research, legal and analytical capacities.
The Speaker further reminded MPs that Parliament’s responsibility does not end with passing laws. Parliamentary committees, he said, have an important role in scrutinising Government programmes, expenditure and performance to ensure public resources are used efficiently, transparently and for the benefit of Malawians.
Suleman said the Parliament Malawi needs is one that is independent, accessible, responsive, inclusive and accountable, while also emphasising the importance of technology in making parliamentary information more accessible, particularly to young people.
He nevertheless cautioned that digital engagement should complement rather than replace physical interaction between MPs and their constituents.
As the Phungu Wanga Project approaches its conclusion, Suleman urged stakeholders not to treat the Indaba as a closing ceremony, but rather as a bridge towards sustained engagement between Parliament and citizens.
He challenged participants to identify lessons from the project, determine what Parliament can do differently and better, and make specific commitments that can translate into practical action.
“Let us leave with renewed commitment. Let us leave with practical actions. And let us leave with a stronger determination to make Parliament a place where every Malawian can say: ‘This is my Parliament because my voice matters’,” Suleman said.
He commended the Centre for Civil Society Strengthening, Save the Children Malawi and other partners for supporting the Phungu Wanga initiative, saying the lessons from the project should be institutionalised and sustained beyond its formal conclusion.
