Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
Former Member of Parliament and former Commissioner of Parliament Ackson Kalaile Banda has called for greater respect for Malawi’s constitutional institutions, saying political leaders should avoid using derogatory language against holders of high public office.
Banda, who served as a Commissioner of Parliament during the 2019–2025 parliamentary cohort, made the remarks while expressing support for Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Sameer Suleman and what he described as the Speaker’s good governance agenda.
In a statement reflecting on his time in Parliament, Banda said he remained grateful to former President Dr. Joyce Banda, the people of Mzimba South East and Members of Parliament who entrusted him with the position of Commissioner.
He described the commissionership as one of the most prestigious and influential positions within Parliament.
Banda Reflects on Parliamentary Reforms
Banda said that during his tenure as Commissioner, the Parliamentary Commission undertook measures aimed at strengthening the institutional standing of Parliament.
According to Banda, the offices of the First and Second Deputy Speakers were elevated to a level equivalent to that of a Senior Cabinet Minister in terms of grade, salary and benefits.
He further stated that the Deputy Clerk of Parliament was graded at the level of a Principal Secretary, while the Clerk of Parliament was placed one grade below the Secretary to the President and Cabinet.
For Banda, such arrangements demonstrated the importance of recognising Parliament as a key arm of the State and ensuring that its leadership and administration have appropriate institutional standing.
‘Respect the Three Arms of Government’
Banda’s central argument is that Malawi’s political leaders must respect the country’s three arms of government—the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive.
He said these institutions are represented respectively by the Speaker of Parliament, the Chief Justice and the President.
According to Banda, differences in political circumstances should not be used as justification for disrespecting the holders of these constitutional offices.
He argued that political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, but they should be handled within the boundaries of constitutionalism and institutional respect.
“These three arms, regardless of circumstances, constitute government and must be accorded the respect they deserve,” Banda said.
Banda Rejects Derogatory Political Language
Banda also referred to his long experience in Malawian politics, describing himself as the country’s longest-serving spokesperson.
He said his experience had taught him the importance of observing political and institutional hierarchy.
Banda further stated that his academic background and understanding of public institutions made it impossible for him to address a holder of one of the three arms of government in a derogatory manner.
His comments come amid heightened political debate surrounding Parliament and the authority exercised by the Speaker.
Banda maintained that political actors must establish clear boundaries between legitimate political criticism and conduct that could undermine the dignity of constitutional offices.
Support for Speaker’s Governance Agenda
Turning specifically to Speaker Sameer Suleman, Banda said he believed the position taken by the Speaker was consistent with what he described as the aspirations of many Malawians.
He urged citizens and political leaders to support what he characterised as a good governance agenda being championed by the Speaker.
Banda also linked the Speaker’s position to the governance message that he said President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has been advancing during his political campaign.
He argued that issues concerning governance and accountability should transcend partisan interests.
‘No Political Leader Has the Mandate’
One of the strongest points in Banda’s statement was his argument that political leaders should not attempt to undermine constitutional directives simply because they disagree with them.
He said no political leader should have the authority to challenge a constitutional directive that has been developed in the interests of the majority of Malawians.
However, Banda’s comments also raise a broader question about the relationship between political accountability and constitutional authority.
In a democratic system, public officials can be criticised and constitutional decisions can be challenged through established legal and institutional mechanisms. The critical issue is ensuring that such disagreements are handled through lawful processes rather than personal attacks or political intimidation.
The Bigger Debate: Strong Institutions or Political Interests?
Banda’s intervention comes at a time when the role and authority of Parliament remain important subjects of national political debate.
At the heart of the controversy is a broader question: How should Malawi balance political competition with respect for constitutional institutions?
Political parties have a legitimate right to scrutinise decisions made by public institutions. Equally, Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to conduct its business and exercise oversight within the powers granted to it.
The strength of Malawi’s democracy ultimately depends not only on who holds political power, but also on whether the country’s institutions are strong enough to operate according to the Constitution and established laws.
Banda’s argument is therefore essentially a call for institutional discipline.
His message is that political disagreements should not become a justification for weakening the offices of the State.
A Call for Political Maturity
The former legislator’s remarks also highlight the need for greater political maturity as Malawi continues its democratic development.
Political leaders will inevitably disagree.
Parliamentarians will challenge government policies.
Opposition parties will criticise the ruling administration.
Government officials will defend their decisions.
But democratic institutions can only function effectively when disagreement is accompanied by respect for constitutional processes.
For Banda, respecting the Speaker does not necessarily mean agreeing with every decision made by the Speaker. Rather, it means recognising the constitutional importance of the office and using legitimate channels when decisions are disputed.
Banda Quotes Scripture
In concluding his statement, Banda referred to the biblical passage in Mark 9:40, which states:
“Whoever is not against us is for us.”
He used the verse to reinforce his argument that initiatives aimed at promoting good governance should receive support rather than automatic political opposition.
His comments are likely to fuel further discussion among political parties, civil society and members of the public about the limits of political confrontation and the importance of protecting Malawi’s constitutional institutions.
The Road Ahead
As Malawi’s political landscape continues to evolve, the debate surrounding Parliament and the Speaker is unlikely to disappear soon.
The challenge for political actors will be to ensure that disagreements remain focused on policies, procedures and constitutional interpretation rather than personal attacks.
Banda’s intervention places the issue firmly within that wider debate.
His message is clear: Malawi needs political competition, but it also needs institutional respect.
The Legislature, Judiciary and Executive must be able to perform their constitutional responsibilities without their offices being reduced to political weapons.
For a country seeking stronger governance, accountability and democratic institutions, that balance will remain critical.
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