Leader of Opposition, Simplex Chithyola-Banda, has challenged the government to present a clear and actionable economic plan to address the challenges currently facing Malawians.

Chithyola-Banda said the government must explain how it intends to fund key sectors — including the free secondary education programme — amid the prevailing economic hardships.

He further urged authorities to prioritise investment in agriculture by fast-tracking the delivery of farm inputs, warning that any delays could lead to yet another year of food insecurity.

"Malawians are looking forward to seeing the government turn around the economy. It [the government] must invest in different sectors such as agriculture. We need farm input loans to be given to farmers as soon as possible," Chithyola-Banda said.

He made the remarks on Friday while delivering his closing statement as Parliament adjourned sine die at the end of the first meeting of the 52nd session.

Meanwhile, Leader of the House, Jappie Mhango, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Members of Parliament during the deliberations. Mhango, however, acknowledged that the economy “lies on a deathbed,” noting that the government is implementing measures aimed at revamping the macroeconomic landscape.

He also raised concern over the country’s rising public debt, which he said is now hovering around K28 trillion.

"It is a fact that the economy in Malawi is on a deathbed. This is the reason the government through the ministry of finance is working relentlessly to revamp the economy. President Peter Mutharika is leading this mission," noted Mhango.

On his part, Speaker of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, announced that he will enforce daily use of the attendance register following concerns that some MPs have been absconding without notice. 

Suleman warned that non-compliance will attract deductions of allowances and other disciplinary actions.