From being dismissed as FAM President to Speaker of Parliament: Sameer Suleman

Former FAM President Elected as Speaker of Parliament

Former President of the Football Association of Malawi and Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Sameer Suleman has been declared the new Speaker of Parliament following election earlier this week.

Suleman secured a decisive victory with 134 out of 221 votes, defeating his main challenger Peter Dimba of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), who received 85 votes. Two legislators were absent from the vote, while one abstained.

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The victory marks a significant win for the DPP in securing the influential parliamentary position, which oversees all legislative proceedings and maintains order in the House.

Before facing Dimba in the final round, Suleman first overcame fellow DPP members Lasken Vigaro and Sandram Scot in preliminary voting, cementing his position as the party’s unified choice for the speakership.

Clerk of Parliament Fiona Kalemba announced the results to sustained applause across the chamber. Deputy Chief Justice Lovemore Chikopa, SC, immediately administered the oath of office, formally installing Suleman in his new role.

In his acceptance speech, the new Speaker pledged to serve all members regardless of party affiliation.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust this House has placed in me,” Suleman said. “I pledge to serve with diligence, integrity, and impartiality. My focus will be on fostering unity among members and ensuring that parliamentary business is conducted with respect and order.”

The Speaker’s role requires maintaining neutrality while managing parliamentary debates, ruling on procedural matters, and representing Parliament in official capacities.

“From Football to Politics”

Suleman’s path to the Speaker’s chair has been unconventional. Born in Mulanje and raised in Blantyre’s Chigumula, he built his reputation as both a businessman and football administrator.

His football career began at the grassroots level as Blantyre Football District chairman before ascending to FAM vice president. In 2004, he won election as FAM President, also serving as National Youth Chairman.

However, his tenure at the helm of Malawian football proved brief. Three months after his election, FIFA dismissed Suleman along with two FAM Executive members, Peter Chavula and Raphael Humba, over allegations that he lacked a Malawi School Certificate of Education. He was replaced by Vice President Anderson Zimba.

Despite the abbreviated tenure, Suleman’s impact on Malawian football was notable. He pioneered the introduction and sponsorship of district league cups and tournaments for lower-division teams. Under his leadership, the national team reached consecutive COSAFA finals. He also founded Sammy United, a club that has developed players for the national team.

Suleman has since established himself in politics, currently representing a Blantyre constituency under the DPP banner. His election as Speaker represents one of the highest offices in Malawi’s government, third in the line of succession after the President and Vice President.