The Parliamentary Committee on International Relations has asked government to first consult the Committee before President signs international treaties.

According to the Committee’s Chairperson Patrick Bandawe, the proposal is aimed at scrutinizing treaties that the Head of State signs on behalf of Malawians.

Bandawe said: “Government signs the treaties for Malawians and us MPs we represent Malawians, so we thought it could be better if we scrutinize what they are signing for because we represent people out there.”

Bandawe said the lawmakers being representatives of Malawians need to understand the motive behind the agreements.

“At least, it could be vice-versa why can’t we scrutinize it first before the ambassadors, ministers and President sign the treaties,” Bandawe said.

But responding to the request, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bernard Sande said the constitution mandates the President to sign the treaties on behalf of Malawians and that consultations are made.

“We are simply following what the constitution says on that, and what usually happens before you sign the treaties, several ministries concerned consult various stakeholders, and some of these stakeholders are members of Parliament, that’s what ordinarily happens,” Sande said.

Malawi signed a total of 22 international instruments ranging from environment to human rights.