The National Assembly has rejected a report by its Committee on Government Assurances and Public Sector Reforms.

Among other areas, the report is proposing that a person appointed as Minister of National Unity should be apolitical.

Reads the recommendation: “The Committee advised that, the Minister of Civic Education and National Unity should be seen to be neutral and not participate in any political activities as he holds an office that disseminates unity as opposed to divisions.”

But the proposal received backlash of intolerance from government side lawmakers who asked the striking out of the proposition on the basis that it is targeting personality of the current minister of national unity Timothy Mtambo.

According to Leader of the House Richard Chimwemwe Banda, once a person is appointed a cabinet minister, that particular individual serves in the best interest of Malawians regardless of their political affiliations.

He said: “Sometimes people bring issues looking at the person who is holding an office and it’s not good for the development of this country.

“All of us were politicians, the time we took an oath of office to serve Malawi. You don’t take an oath of office to serve a political party you take an oath  of office to serve Malawians,” Chimwendo Banda said.

But in his response, the Committee’s Chairperson Noel Lipipa said having someone political holding the ministerial post will result in serious issues of conflict of interest.

“There would be instances where you find that there is a conflict, for example between political parties,” Lipipa said.

“And then if the minister of national unity, is seen to be siding with one side supporting a political party, it would be very difficult for the other party to accept or understand.

“We are not saying that they must not be politician, but at least they must be neutral because it’s serious ministry.”

Meanwhile, Lipipa says his Committee will seek guidance from the Office of the Speaker on the report following the rejection.