By Burnett Munthali
Leader of Opposition George Chaponda has issued a stern call to President Lazarus Chakwera, urging him not to sign into law the recently passed Bills on Insurance and the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Production and Supply) Act (Amendment). Chaponda argued that these Bills were inadequately scrutinized and did not meet the required 28-day notice stipulated under parliamentary Standing Orders.
Speaking during his closing remarks before Parliament adjourned sine die today, Chaponda expressed disappointment with what he described as the government’s persistent tendency to rush legislation through the House. He criticized the lack of adequate time for Members of Parliament (MPs) to review the proposed laws, warning that such practices undermine legislative integrity and risk enacting flawed policies.
“I urge President Chakwera not to assent to this Bill, as I fear it may serve narrow interests rather than the broader needs of our people,” Chaponda said. “History will judge us harshly for enacting bad laws.”
The Bills in question have sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders, with critics arguing that they were pushed through without sufficient stakeholder engagement and public consultation. Chaponda’s concerns highlight broader frustrations over the legislative process, with opposition parties frequently accusing the government of prioritizing expediency over due diligence.
The Insurance Bill seeks to modernize Malawi’s insurance sector by introducing stricter regulations and promoting financial inclusion. Meanwhile, the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Production and Supply) Act (Amendment) is designed to address challenges in fuel and gas supply, with the aim of boosting local production and ensuring consistent availability.
Despite these goals, Chaponda and other opposition MPs believe that the rushed passage of these Bills may lead to unintended consequences, including regulatory loopholes and the potential marginalization of key industry players.
The opposition leader’s remarks come amid a growing public demand for transparency and accountability in governance. Analysts argue that failure to adhere to procedural requirements could erode public confidence in the government’s ability to enact fair and effective policies.
As the Bills await presidential assent, President Chakwera faces mounting pressure to carefully consider the implications of signing them into law. The coming days will reveal whether the government will heed Chaponda’s warning or proceed with its legislative agenda, risking further polarization within Malawi’s political landscape.
