By Rahim Abdul
The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has called on the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to stop what it describes as attempts to intimidate Speaker of Parliament, Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, over his decision to establish joint parliamentary committees to investigate matters of national interest.
In a press statement issued in Blantyre on Friday, September 4, 2026, CDEDI Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa said the organisation is urging the DPP and other Malawians to support Suleman because he established the committees to strengthen parliamentary oversight and address concerns surrounding governance, corruption and service delivery.
Namiwa said Parliament has three key responsibilities representation, legislation and oversight and argued that the Speaker is therefore acting within his constitutional mandate by facilitating inquiries into issues affecting Malawians.
CDEDI further said Suleman’s position as Speaker should not make him subject to control by the DPP, despite being elected under the party, arguing that he is expected to perform his legislative duties independently and in the interests of the public.
The organisation has also raised concern over reports that Suleman and some chairpersons of parliamentary committees have allegedly received threats following the Speaker’s recent press briefing.
CDEDI has warned those behind the alleged threats that they could eventually face the law, while assuring the Speaker and members of the joint committees of its support.
Namiwa has also challenged Malawians to use the parliamentary inquiries to provide information and testimonies that could help expose alleged corruption networks and other practices contributing to the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, CDEDI has questioned whether DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito’s statement on the matter reflects the position of President Peter Mutharika.
The organisation has consequently appealed to President Mutharika to clarify his position and distance himself from any party stance that contradicts his stated commitment to fighting corruption and his declaration that there would be “no sacred cows” in his administration.
