The comments have come following growing sentiments from a number of Members of parliament who are taking government to task on why state president Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is not appearing before parliament to respond to questions and issues being raised in the house.

Leader of government in the House Francis Lazalo Katsaila says the President can only appear in Parliament on official invitation and not just by verbal communication.

“I don’t think it’s possible to come to parliament anytime when the members want. Our parliamentarians know that there are standing orders that should be followed to allow the president to come in the house,” said Katsaila.

Since President Mutharika presented the state of the nation address, opposition members of parliament have demanded direct responses from him.

Katsaila said according to Parliamentary standing orders the president is allowed to go to parliament on Wednesdays if properly booked by the members.

“The President needs to research before taking questions. Even the questions which are given to cabinet ministers in Parliament, are given to them to study them before giving a response,” added Katsaila.