Speaker of the National Assembly Richard Msowoya on Tuesday led thousands of Malawians in paying their last respect to the departed Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Msozi North Highton Lewis Jiya.

Jiya died on Sunday night at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in the commercial capital Blantyre.

In his speech, Msowoya expressed his sadness over the untimely death of Jiya, saying the country has lost a person who had the welfare of people at heart.

“Today we have buried our friend and colleague, MCP Member of Parliament for Lilongwe Nsozi North, Hon. Jiya, MP. Hon.

“Jiya was a dedicated Parliamentarian who worked tirelessly to serve his constituents, his Party and the country. It was therefore a sad moment for the country, Parliament, MCP, his constituents and his family,” said Msowoya.

Msowoya also hailed the Parliamentary Service Commission and members of staff at Parliament for the service rendered at the funeral.

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika was represented at funeral by Minister of Sports Henry Mussa.

The MCP Regional Chairperson for the Center, Hon. Patrick Chilondola, also thanked leaders from other parties for coming in large numbers. He explained that giving people a chance to mourn a departed colleague is normal, citing what MCP did. He further said that tolerance will end up giving Malawians a different picture of politics in this country.

In his remarks, the President of MCP, Hon. Lazarus Chakwera, also acknowledged the presence of other party leaders, and mentioned by name all other MP’S who played a part in helping the funeral ceremony to go on well

Jiya was born on August 28 1953.

He survived by a wife and three children.