BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Muslims in Malawi have raised concern over their continued absence from top government positions after the recent appointment of a 28-member cabinet that does not include a single Muslim representative.
Members of the Muslim community say the development is disappointing and highlights long standing concerns about inclusion in national leadership
Muslim Scholars Council Secretary General Sheikh Abbas Vinjenje has urged Muslims to look inward and adopt more structured and deliberate approaches if they wish to be considered for political and government appointments.
He said meaningful representation requires sustained political engagement.
Sheikh Vinjenje made the remarks in response to the recent cabinet reshuffle by President Peter Mutharika, which once again excluded Muslims from ministerial positions.
He described the situation as a wake-up call for the Muslim community to reassess its role in active politics.
According to Sheikh Vinjenje, many Muslims limit their political participation to voting during elections, which he said is not enough to influence decision-making.
He stressed that political relevance is built through continuous involvement beyond the ballot box.
“In my view, Muslims in this country are good at voting but they do not have fully engage in politics from the grassroots level,” he told MaraviPost, adding that long-term participation in party structures and local leadership is essential.
He further noted that the Muslim community lacks a clear and coordinated roadmap for positioning capable individuals for leadership and government appointments.
This, he said, has left many qualified Muslim professionals without visibility in political circles.
“It is very sad to note that out of 28 cabinet ministers, there is not a single Muslim, despite the fact that we have many qualified Muslim brothers and sisters in various fields,” Sheikh Vinjenje said.
At the same time, he cautioned Muslims against blaming the government alone, emphasizing that Malawi is a secular state where appointments are not based on religion.
He said factors such as commitment, experience and political visibility carry more weight than religious affiliation.
Sheikh Vinjenje concluded by encouraging Muslims to strengthen their political presence from the grassroots level, noting that active and strategic engagement is the most sustainable way to achieve meaningful representation in national governance.