Chiefs in the country have asked President Peter Mutharika to fire all government workers who are currently on strike without compensation, arguing their conduct was ‘unacceptable and a manifestation of lack of patriotism.’
The chiefs made the appeal through their petition titled “Traditional leaders against strikes by public servant” which Chief Secretary George Mkondiwa received Tuesday morning in Blantyre.
In their petition, the chiefs argued ‘things in the country have reached a point where they can no longer remain silent about abominable behaviour of public servants who are shunning away from work’.
“We condemn the strikes at the courts, Ant-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and university of Malawi and wish to state that the chiefs do not condone such reckless behaviour. Forcing government to raise salaries of civil servants at a time when there is a financial crisis in the country is unacceptable.
“Those workers who are boycotting work at the judiciary should know that it is their prime duty to administer justice in the country. By letting suspects to rot in jail without trial is denying them their human rights and therefore not acceptable in a democratic country where the rule of law prevails,” said Paramount Chief Kyungu who read the petition.
Kyungu termed as unfortunate and shameful the decision by ACB staff to put down tools, adding chiefs would like to see cash gate cases completed and that university of Malawi workers who are on strike should discuss with their immediate bosses.
“We Chiefs together with our people are asking all those who are boycotting work to go back to their positions with immediate effect and failure to do so the president should fire them without giving them compensation,” said Kyungu.
Kyungu told journalists that there are many people in the country who are unemployed and yet have appropriate qualifications to occupy the jobs in government.
In his speech after receiving the petition on behalf of President Peter Mutharika, Chief Secretary George Mkondiwa assured the chiefs that Mutharika would address the concerns as soon as possible.
“Let me assure you chiefs that your concerns will be addressed and trust me the petition will reach the president today (Tuesday).
The petition which has been signed by over 170 chiefs countrywide has since asked all people working in government to be patriotic and loyal.
