Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Member of Parliament for Thyolo Thava, Mary Navicha, has accused Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Aisha Adams, of denying her the opportunity to contribute during parliamentary proceedings.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when Navicha was suspended by Adams under Standing Order 105 following a tense exchange between the two.
Navicha claims that since Tuesday morning, Adams had repeatedly ignored her attempts to contribute to the discussion, despite her efforts to ask the Minister of Agriculture about the progress of maize distribution to people affected by hunger in her constituency.
“I was told that my turn would come, but I was never given the opportunity before the house was adjourned,” Navicha said. “Before the adjournment on Tuesday, I even submitted a written notice to the Deputy Speaker, asking why I wasn’t being recognized, but I received no response.”
On Wednesday, after multiple unsuccessful attempts to be recognized, Navicha stood up and began addressing her question directly to the Minister of Agriculture. The situation quickly escalated into a chaotic scene in Parliament, prompting the Deputy Speaker to invoke Standing Order 105 and suspend Navicha until Monday, September 9, 2024.
“I came in on Wednesday morning, hopeful that I would finally get my turn after being ignored the day before. But instead of recognizing me, the Deputy Speaker continued to disregard my request,” Navicha stated.
Speaking to *The Truth Malawi* after her suspension, Navicha expressed concerns about Adams’ conduct. “I am shocked by how the Deputy Speaker has been handling parliamentary proceedings since yesterday. It’s clear she’s been denying me the chance to speak,” she said.
Navicha further speculated that Adams may have been acting under external influence, deliberately preventing her from raising issues on behalf of her constituents. She plans to take her grievances to the Business Committee of Parliament to seek redress.
Although Adams is from the United Democratic Front (UDF) and not the ruling Malawi Congress Party (MCP), Navicha suspects political motivations, suggesting that Adams may be used to target her specifically.
The MP’s suspension has raised questions about impartiality in Parliament and how business is conducted during heated debates.
