Government Yesterday was taken by surprise as Members of Parliament unanimously shot down a $50 million Loan Authorisation Bill for government to borrow funds from the World Bank to Finance increasing access to higher education at the University of Malawi (Unima).

Leader of the August House Francis Kasaila said he was disappointed with decision taken by MPs to rebuff the bill.

“We are disappointed as government because this bill is very important.  We know there is an issue of quota system and also that so many youths have nothing to do and  there is also a need to increase the university intake, so we thought they would support us, but they have thought otherwise”, he said.

He, however said they will re-engage the MPs on the bill.

Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe tabled the Loan Authorisation Bill in Parliament yesterday, asking MPs to support the design of high quality and relevant education programmes which would be delivered through open and distance learning (ODL).

Meanwhile Parliament will be adjourned on July 4 this Week.