Suleiman: “I haven’t done anything wrong”

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has warned Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleiman against conduct that could undermine President Peter Mutharika’s authority, saying senior party officials must respect constitutional boundaries and party discipline.

In a statement issued by the party’s Secretary General Peter Mukhito, said that the party respects Parliament’s independence and its oversight role, but stressed that President Mutharika and his government were given a mandate by Malawians to govern and implement policies.

The statement follows the Speaker’s recent press briefing in which he raised concerns over several issues, including the Salima Water Project, electricity supply, passports, delays in the administration of justice, prison conditions, mining, agriculture and tobacco.

Mukhito said the concerns raised by the Speaker are important and deserve proper scrutiny, but argued that they should be handled through institutions legally mandated to investigate, supervise and implement corrective measures.

In response, Suleiman said he does not see anything wrong with his actions.

He added that he has great respect for President Peter Mutharika, saying no one should take advantage of the situation to portray themselves as good at his expense because he communicates with the President and consults him on many decisions.

Meanwhile, Suleiman further maintained that he will proceed with his decision to establish committees to investigate issues that have been brought before Parliament as matters of concern.