By Twink Jones Gadama

A heated debate erupted in the National Assembly on Tuesday when Blantyre City South East MP Sameer Suleman questioned the government’s expenditure on President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent trip to Germany. Suleman alleged that the trip, which saw the president riding a bicycle, cost the taxpayer a staggering K4.5 billion.

Suleman raised these concerns during a discussion on a ministerial statement delivered by Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule, which focused on efforts to promote tourism in Malawi.

The MP argued that leaders should lead by example in promoting local tourism, rather than showcasing other countries’ attractions during their travels.

“Instead of riding that bicycle in Germany, the president should have done it here in Malawi,” Suleman said. “We need to sell our country, but unfortunately, leaders are not leading by example.”

However, Speaker of the National Assembly Catherine Gotani Hara intervened, cautioning Suleman against involving the president in parliamentary discussions.

She urged him to focus on the matter at hand without dragging the president into the debate.

While Suleman’s comments sparked a lively debate, some MPs came to the president’s defense, arguing that the trip was a diplomatic engagement aimed at strengthening relations with Germany.

Others, however, supported Suleman’s concerns, stating that the government should prioritize promoting local tourism.

The exchange highlights the ongoing debate about the government’s spending priorities and the role of leaders in promoting Malawi’s tourism industry.

As the country seeks to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPs are calling for increased investment in local tourism initiatives.

In response to Suleman’s allegations, the government has yet to release an official statement on the exact cost of the president’s trip.

However, the Minister of Tourism emphasized the importance of international engagements in promoting Malawi’s tourism sector.

The debate comes as Malawi prepares to host several international events aimed at boosting tourism.

The government has launched initiatives to improve infrastructure and enhance the visitor experience, but MPs like Suleman argue that more needs to be done to promote local attractions.