Malawi MPs criticised for demanding raincoats

Malawians are criticising their MPs after a legislator asked parliament to buy raincoats for them.

Lilongwe South MP Steven Kamsiyamo made the request on Wednesday saying they needed to shield themselves from the rain while walking to the chamber from the car park.

The house leader reportedly assured MPs that the matter would be taken to the parliamentary commission committee for consideration.

Mr Kamsiyamo is said to have withdrawn his request hours later:

Hours later, Honourable MP Steve Baba M. Kamsiyamo decides to withdraw his raincoat request via Facebook when he initially made the request in the August House and it remains as a record in the Hanzard. https://t.co/axZfyOvlPe pic.twitter.com/onpcq5jL3w

— Malawi Elects 🇲🇼 (@MalawiElects) February 16, 2022

Some Malawians have been angered by the move, saying the MPs were being selfish and insensitive at a time when floods have devastated many families across the country.

“We have flood victims in Salima and Lower Shire who need support. Why waste money on raincoats?” Bright Malenga asked on Twitter.

“This level of entitlement is beyond imagination,” another Twitter user said.

Flooding caused by recent tropical storm Ana killed dozens of people and destroyed farms, homes and roads.

Last week, the weather authorities issued flood warning in parts of central and northern Malawi.