Mhango defends MPs over English criticism

Justice Minister Charles Mhango has pushed back against claims that some Members of Parliament cannot effectively debate in English, arguing that such remarks unfairly question the competence of elected lawmakers.

Mhango was responding to a point of order raised by Rumphi West legislator Yona Dadawiza Mkandawire, who proposed that Parliament should consider allowing members to use hybrid languages during debates to make proceedings more inclusive.

Mkandawire cited Standing Order 186, which states that proceedings of the National Assembly shall be conducted in English or any other official language as the Assembly may prescribe.

He argued that Parliament should explore amending its rules to permit members to combine English with local languages where necessary, saying this would enable those who struggle to find the right English vocabulary to express themselves more effectively.

The legislator said adopting such an approach would encourage wider participation in debates while ensuring that members are able to communicate their views without being limited by language barriers.

Mhango: don’t insinuate MPs can’t speak English

However, Mhango cautioned against interpreting the proposal as evidence that some MPs are not comfortable with English.

He referred the House to Section 51(1)(b) of the Constitution, which provides that a person is qualified for election to Parliament only if they are able to speak and read the English language well enough to take an active part in the proceedings of the National Assembly.

“To start insinuating that honourable members who qualified under Section 51 are unable to do business in English is unfair to the members who qualified and were elected to come to this House,” Mhango said.

The matter was raised as a point of order and is expected to be considered in line with the House’s procedures on parliamentary rules and standing orders.