Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Aisha Adams, yesterday suspended four Members of Parliament (MPs) for disorderly conduct during deliberations.
The suspended MPs are Christopher Joseph Manja (Salima South), Mike Mwawa (Salima South East), Biziwick Million (Zomba Changalume), and Sameer Suleman (Blantyre City South East).
Manja disrupted proceedings by speaking without being granted the floor, leaving his seat, and removing his jacket in an apparent gesture to provoke a fight. Initially suspended for three days, his penalty was extended to four days after he refused to leave the chamber when ordered.
Suleman received a two-day suspension for being the first to stand and speak out of turn, while Mwawa and Million were each suspended for two days for encouraging Manja to defy the chair’s ruling.
The disruptions caused a 40-minute suspension of proceedings. When the session resumed, the Deputy Speaker delivered her ruling, emphasizing the importance of parliamentary decorum.
Adams commended certain members for their efforts to restore order. “Let me thank the Member for Lilongwe South East for encouraging compliance with the chair’s ruling,” she said.
She urged leaders from both sides of the house to promote calm and orderly conduct during debates.
Parliament will continue discussions on the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera on Friday.
