Opposition leader in Parliament Simplex Chithyola Banda has punched holes in the State of National Address SONA which president peter Mutharika presented in parliament of Friday.
While admitting that the SONA was short and precise, Chithyola Banda says Mutharika missed an opportunity by failing to address prevailing economic issues affecting Malawians.
Banda cited the rise in the cost of living due to the sky-rocketing of fuel prices and implementation of new taxes among others which he said is also killing the private sector.
He said it sad that government is impressed with the reduction in maize prices instead of reducing prices of farm inputs which is compromising farming activities.
He added that it was not in order for Malawi to purchase maize from Zambia when Malawians had enough to sell.
He further said president has failed by not addressing the re-occurrence of attacks of people with albinism and the kidnappings of people in the SONA citing the abduction of the crossroads manager Sameer Sacrene.
Moving a motion in parliament to kick start debate on the SONA, Matemvu said Mutharika’s government is transformative considering the changes made in few months after assuming the public office.
According to Matemvu, Mutharika’s government has portrayed commitment to improving challenges Malawians are facing by coming up with sustainable economic measures.
He added that Mutharika’s government is geared to ensuring an improved public sector from the mess that was created by the previous regime which he was hiring street people to head government departments.
Matemvu said Malawians choose Mutharika because of his track records.
He however admitted that Malawians needs to brace for tougher times and hard work in order to improve the current situation.
Meanwhile, Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleiman has announced government’s withdraw of the Arab Bank for Economic Development, Dowa Water Supply Authorization Bill of 2025.
According to Suleman government may reintroduce the bill at an appropriate time.
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