We are in the depth of despair; no one knows when this covid-19 pandemic will come to an end, and we are losing our beloved ones each day worldwide. As I am writing, over 1.4 million are infected worldwide; over 307,000 have recovered worldwide; over 83 000 have died worldwide. A moment of silence please for the departed souls!
There are nine confirmed cases of COVID 19 cases in Malawi and one death. By now, the seriousness of this disease must have dawned on everyone. However, it is very unfortunate that those at the top echelons of powers have chosen to be more dim-witted than ever. As other equally affected countries are fighting the disease in unison, in Malawi it is business as usual: ruling and opposition parties throwing mud pies at each other. But I must tell these self-claimed ‘semi gods’ in the face: this disease is sparing nobody. UK with their technology can’t protect their Prime Minister. Be careful!
Janet Karim, one of the social political commentators in diaspora, in her article wrote “if ever there was a time for you to be president of a country, this is it; if ever there was the need to unite a country by your words and actions, this is it; and if ever there was a need to bury the hatchet so you can hold hands with your opponents, this is it.” It is now very disturbing to read garbage from the information minister in his attempt to trash ideas from Saulos Chilima in regards to covid-19 fight.
On a serious note, Mr. Mark Botomani, who is the information minister, must temporarily suspend his zealous loyalty to Democratic Progressive Party. We are in a crisis Mr. Botomani! Some of us are even observing distance from our beloved ones whom we married with a vow before God. Why can’t you leave petty politics aside? Covid-19 might be a blessing in disguise on your part but it can also attack one of you. This is the time Malawians want to see government working together with all stakeholders including the opposition parties. Message of hope, that’s what we want not political bickering. Is it not your president who has been asking Malawians to join hands in this very critical situation?
Now, what kind of togetherness you want if proposals made by the Vice President of the government you are serving are torn apart? You want to make us believe that whatever Chilima said was out of malice and utter nonsense? Seriously, you are becoming a disgrace. Your actions have clearly demonstrated how DPP as a party wants to make political gains out of this crisis.
Just as Malawians listened to President Peter Mutharika’s speech with much interest on Saturday, they also did the same when Chilima was speaking yesterday. The aim was not to compare the speeches but to marry the ideas from the two occupants of the highest office in the country. The fight against this covid-19 has to be diversified, and this is only possible if your government respects and incorporates ideas from other stakeholders across the country. Messages from all voices must go out to Malawians on preventative measures that will stop the spread of the virus in Malawi. Don’t advance your selfish interests in this crisis.