The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has warned Speaker of the National Assembly Sameer Suleman and senior party officials against using their public offices in ways that could undermine President Peter Mutharika and weaken the government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito said while the party respects Parliament’s constitutional independence and oversight role, senior party officials must also respect the authority of the Executive and maintain party discipline.
The statement follows concerns raised during a recent press briefing by the Speaker, who is also a member of the DPP Central Executive Committee.
Mukhito said issues raised by the Speaker, including the Salima water project, pensions, electricity supply, NOCMA, passport services, delays in justice, prison conditions, mining and agriculture, are important national matters that deserve proper scrutiny.
However, he said such matters must be handled through institutions legally mandated to investigate and take corrective action.
“The Party’s position is therefore clear: Parliament must exercise oversight. The Executive must be allowed to govern. The Judiciary must remain independent,” the statement said.
The DPP said it was particularly concerned when senior party members use public platforms in ways that create an impression of conflict within a government led by the party.
“Political maturity demands consultation before confrontation,” Mukhito said, adding that accountability should strengthen government rather than paralyse it.
The party said it would not discourage legitimate oversight or shield wrongdoing but would not accept conduct that unnecessarily weakens the President, frustrates government programmes or creates avoidable public confrontation.
The DPP has since called on its leaders to remain united and disciplined, saying no individual office is greater than the mandate given to the party by Malawians.
