Leader of the House, George Chaponda and Member of Parliament for Mzimba West, Harry Mkandawire, yesterday traded barbs and challenged each other in the House after the former trashed the evidence brought by the latter that government had sold Lake Malawi to Mota Engil.
On Monday, Mkandawire was requested to bring evidence to the House that government had sold Lake Malawi to Mota Engil. Tuesday, Mkandawire brought as evidence to his claims a printed story by Malawi European Times featuring an interview with former minister of Transport and Public Works, Sidik Mia, which talked about the ministry’s projects and priorities.
“This is the time I have been waiting for,” said Mkandawire when he was asked to give his evidence. He produced the piece of paper and was told to submit it to the House.
But Chaponda quashed the evidence arguing that there was no date, name of the author and that it was a newspaper article.
“There is no evidence here,” said Chaponda while accusing Mkandawire of making allegations without facts.
Mkandawire was prompted to defend himself and said to Chaponda directly: “Your name is in those files”.
Tempers flared between the two and Chaponda hit back: “Let’s meet outside.”
Deputy Speaker Esther Mcheka intervened: “Let us avoid becoming emotional over national issues”.
Government Chief Whip, Henry Mussa, asked Mcheka to make a ruling on the matter and Mcheka said: “I have to hear from you, government side”.
Later, Mcheka said there was no evidence from the newspaper cutting.
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