LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has commended President Peter Mutharika’s recent cabinet reshuffle, describing it as a careful and strategic decision aimed at aligning ministers with portfolios that best suit their capabilities.
Speaking in an interview with Maravi Post on Tuesday, HRCC board Chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba said the reshuffle could help improve government efficiency if the changes are guided by clear responsibilities and accountability.
Mkwezalamba, however, noted that the timing of the reshuffle raises questions, as the cabinet was expected to be fully constituted about a month after the elections.
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“The decision may appear rushed, considering that the cabinet was only recently formed,” he said.
“As HRCC, we would like to hear from the President himself on the justification behind these changes so that Malawians clearly understand the direction being taken.”
Despite concerns over timing, Mkwezalamba said HRCC remains hopeful that the reshuffle will strengthen service delivery and governance, provided ministers are allowed to focus on their core mandates.
Commenting on the abolition of the Ministry of State, Mkwezalamba welcomed the move, saying the position had, over time, exceeded its intended mandate.
“The Minister of State role had grown beyond its original scope, to the extent that the office holder at times appeared to function like a prime minister,” he said. “Scrapping the ministry helps to restore proper checks and balances within the executive.”
The cabinet reshuffle has generated mixed reactions across the country, with some stakeholders viewing it as an opportunity for renewed focus, while others await further clarification from the presidency on the broader goals of the changes.
HRCC has since urged the government to prioritize transparency and communication to ensure public confidence in executive decisions remains intact.
Munthalika last night swapped some ministers and scrapped the Ministry of State.