Ibrahim Matola Explained

Honorific Prefix:Right Honorable
Ibrahim Matola
Office:Minister of Energy
Term Start:30 January 2022
President:Lazarus Chakwera
Predecessor:Newton kambala
Term Start3:2012
Term End3:2014
President3:Joyce Banda
Office4:Member of Parliament
Mangochi,North Makanjira
Term Start4:2004
Term End4:2009
Office5:Member of Parliament
Mangochi North Makanjira
Term Start5:2009
Term End5:2014
Birth Date:2 March 1972
Birth Place:Mangochi
Birthname:Ibrahim
Nationality:Malawian
Party:Peoples Party
Residence:Undisclosed
Profession:Business Man

Ibrahim Matola is a Liberal Politician Born (2 March 1972) Currently serving as Minister of Energy in the Office and Cabinet of Malawi. Matola previously was serving as the Chairman of the southern Region water board after being appointed by the President.

National assembly

As the leader of the UDF in the National Assembly, Matola has criticized the government for ignoring the concerns of the minority parties. Though the UDF was the governing party from 1994 to 2004, it currently the second largest opposition party with only fifteen out of the one hundred ninety four seats in the National Assembly.[1] He has expressed concern that Malawi is returning to a one - party system.[2] He has been vocally critical of the leadership of the majority Democratic Progressive Party, accusing them of "raping the country". During some particularly contentious debates, such as the debate regarding whether to change the Flag of Malawi, Matola has participated in walkouts of minority party members.[3]

During debates in the National Assembly he has clashed with George Chaponda. Matola has criticized Chaponda's record while serving with the UDP.[4]

He has traveled to the European Parliament in Brussels and to the Parliament of the United Kingdom in Westminster for the International Parliamentary Seminar.[5]

Political positions

Matola has advocated for the rights of farmers in Malawi.[6] He has also raised concerns that the Freedom of the Press in Malawi is being threatened.[5]

Matola has repeatedly clashed with the national chairman of the UDF, Friday Jumbe. He led the UDF legislatures in a vote of no confidence in Jumbe and the election of George Nga Ntafu to replace him.[1]

Matola has also attacked the 2011 Local Courts bill, arguing that it would provide too much power to local chiefs and could devolve into a "draconian system".[7]

Notes and References

  1. News: Kufa. Charles. UDF MPs endorses Ntafu as leader. 8 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 3 February 2011.
  2. News: Chipembere wary with UDF stand to abdicate opposition role. 7 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 9 August 2010.
  3. News: Tempers flare as opposition demand referendum on ‘gay’ flag. 8 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 2 July 2010.
  4. News: Matola, Chaponda trade taunts in parliament. 8 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 31 May 2010.
  5. News: Chiumia. Thom. UDF parliamentary leader at Westminster for governance seminar. 8 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 21 November 2010.
  6. News: Matola accuses middlemen of milking tobacco farmers. 8 February 2011. The Nation. 2 February 2011. Blantyre, Malawi.
  7. News: Chiumia. Thom. Chaponda says Malawians were consulted on Local Courts. 5 February 2011. Nyasa Times. 4 February 2011.