The man who singlehandedly made Malawi’s President Arthur Peter Mutharika must step up to the plate once again and do what he knows best by taking a leading role in this administration.
This prolific yet uncelebrated political strategist has done it in the past and I have faith and every reason to believe he can help turn the political narrative flooding local media that has potential to leave a permanent scar on otherwise brilliant and caring leader.
When the public counted Mutharika and his DPP out, it was Ben who through thick and thin as well as through patience and perseverance guided DPP through the turbulence. Many people may not know why the brilliant minds of Ben Phiri and Mutharika is unstoppable. Here is the secret; Mutharika thinks globally and acts locally while political technician Ben thinks locally and acts locally and the combination is lethal. My advice to naysayers and doubters, count them out at your own peril. It’s only a matter of time, the turbulence will subsides.
Knowing Ben Phiri’s abilities, I have no doubt he will see to it that our president addresses the nation during prime-time and explain to the nation how we got to this economic maladies and outline his short and long term plans to lead Malawi to sound and sustainable economic footing. We must wean ourselves from donor dependency on our budgetary support otherwise we are not really an independent nation.
Donors have always held us hostage and leverage that grip of power to demand reforms that are really self serving to them and in many cases not in conformity to what really Malawi needs to prosper economically. It is the government’s duty to outline the vision and rally people to buy in the vision if it is to be implemented effectively.
I am aware of the challenges staff of any new administration face during the first eight months due to competing interests, inexperience in the nuisances and nitty gritty of protocols expected of the administration.
This isn’t unique to Mutharika Administration only. Obama faced the same challenges well into his first year when it seemed the press was controlling the narrative and there was no coherent message coming from the White House. Being an effective and trusted presidential advisor isn’t only what you know but rather an ability to learn and adapt to change quickly. Ben has demonstrated this over and over again that is why I have faith that given the room and time, sky is the limit.
May I also advise the virgin Mutharika team of advisers, the grave mistake most strategists do when faced with scandal isn’t the scandal itself in many instances but rather the coverup. The public is forgiving when their leader owns up to mistakes and promise to fix the problem. Before I forget, if for any reason our dear president decides to address the nation, remind him to set proper expectation. Do not sugarcoat economic problems he inherited. Outline the sacrifices the public must make if our desire of a donor -dependency-free nation is to be realized. Let the public know that things are likely to get worse before getting better.
Finally, in JKF’s own words “ ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”. I humbly ask the striking judges to reconsider their unjustified demands and go back to work for the sake of the nation. Malawi is going through tough economic times and we all know that CashGate is the main reason why we are here not as a result of the current administration economic mismanagement.
Yes, I know the media won’t tell you this due to their own self interest to see the nation fail. I said these demands are unjustified because there is no nation on the planet whose economies can withstand such demands. Every public sector of our society demands unattainable pay increases every year in Malawi. I am aware inflation is wracking havoc in Malawi but to demand 200% pay raises every year is equally setting up our country for economic failure. I am looking forward to the day the media will play a constructive role and educate the public of the dangers of such demands.
To usual leaders of CSO who thrive on conflicts, for once be patriots and stop fanning and inciting violence and chaos by calling for unjustified demonstration.
This is your country, protect and guard it jealously. I can assure all Malawians that President Mutharika hears you and we are working hard to make sure we fix our economy for the generations to come but there is no silver bullet nor quick fix without exacerbating further inflation. In Ben Phiri and company I trust.
