Civil society activists in Malawi have intensified demands that parliamentary speaker Sameer Suleman resign. The call follows controversial remarks Suleman made about religion, which have opened a widening dispute over his conduct in office. A governing Democratic Progressive Party lawmaker has broken with fellow party members to defend the speaker. The split shows that the controversy is dividing the ruling party as well as drawing pressure from outside it. Supporters of Suleman appear to believe he should remain in the position despite the criticism. The dispute has placed the chamber's credibility and the cohesion of the DPP's parliamentary caucus in focus. Neither the lawmaker's name nor the full text of Suleman's remarks was included in the report.