íMember of Parliament for Zomba City North, Bester Awali, has presented a petition submitted by CDEDI and the Lost History Foundation calling for the use of Malawi’s indigenous languages in Parliament.
The petition argues that legislators should have the freedom to debate and express themselves in local languages rather than being restricted to English alone.
Awali, in presenting the document, stressed the importance of allowing broader linguistic inclusion in the House to ensure effective participation for all representatives.
He then proposed that the petition be referred to the Legal Affairs Committee for detailed scrutiny and further deliberation.
Lawmakers accepted the proposal and agreed that the committee should take up the matter for consideration.
However, as Awali read the petition, some MPs disrupted proceedings with side comments and noise.
Their conduct prompted Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman to issue a stern warning that he would eject any member who persisted in causing disorder.
Following the Speaker’s intervention, the House returned to calm, allowing Awali to complete the presentation of the petition.
