Political commentators George Phiri and George Chaima have defended National Assembly Speaker Sameer Suleman against criticism from his Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), arguing that his recent interventions on national issues fall squarely within his constitutional mandate.

The two commentators say Suleman was not required to seek clearance from the DPP before raising concerns over issues affecting the country, despite being a senior member of the governing party.

Their comments follow a warning from the DPP urging Suleman to respect President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s constitutional authority and avoid conduct that could create institutional conflict.

In a statement signed by DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhitho, the party said Parliament has a constitutional responsibility to provide oversight, but argued that this should not create competing centres of authority or undermine the Executive.

The party’s position follows concerns raised by Suleman on a number of issues, including the Salima water project, pension reforms, electricity supply, NOCMA, passport services, delays in the delivery of justice, prison conditions, mining, agriculture and the tobacco sector.

However, Phiri and Chaima maintain that raising such concerns is part of the Speaker’s responsibility and should not be interpreted as an attempt to undermine the President or the government.

The commentators have also questioned the DPP’s expectation that the Speaker should have consulted the party before making his concerns public, arguing that Parliament’s oversight role is institutionally separate from party politics.

The DPP has maintained that while the concerns raised by the Speaker are legitimate and deserve scrutiny, they should be channelled through institutions legally mandated to investigate and address them.

The party has further stressed the need for separation of powers, saying Parliament should exercise oversight, the Executive should be allowed to govern and the Judiciary should remain independent.

However, the commentators argue that effective parliamentary oversight requires public officials to raise issues of national concern without being constrained by party interests.

The DPP has said it will not shield wrongdoing but will also not accept conduct that unnecessarily weakens the President’s authority, frustrates government programmes or creates avoidable public confrontation.