By Sonkie Foster Leymanni 

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has cautioned Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleiman against making public statements or taking actions that could create perceptions of conflict among the different arms of government.

In a statement issued by DPP Secretary General Peter Mukhito, the party says although it respects the constitutional independence of Parliament and its critical oversight role, concerns involving government institutions must be addressed through constitutionally mandated channels.

The DPP has also reminded Suleiman, who is a member of the party's Central Executive Committee, to remain conscious of the party's role in his appointment as Speaker of Parliament.

“The DPP therefore reminds all members of the Central Executive Committee that public office must be exercised with responsibility, restraint and respect for institutional boundaries. No office should be used in a manner that creates competing centres of authority, unnecessarily undermines the President, or weakens the Government's ability to discharge its constitutional responsibilities,” reads part of the statement.

The party says senior officials serving in public institutions have a responsibility to exercise restraint and respect institutional boundaries in order to protect harmony within government.

The development follows concerns raised by Suleiman during a recent press briefing, where he highlighted 12 issues affecting the country, including the Salima Water Project, the civil servants' contributory pension scheme, persistent power blackouts and alleged K700 million fraud at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).

Meanwhile, governance expert George Chaima has backed Suleiman, arguing that as head of the National Assembly, the Speaker has a responsibility to raise issues affecting the country that have been presented to his office.

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