Malawi President Peter Mutharika was on the road again this Saturday addressing a political rally at Nyambadwe Ground in Ndirande. This comes amidst accusations of a wasteful government that is not in tune with the economic situation many Malawians are facing.
“How can any sane human being think that it is wise for a President of a poor country which can’t pay civil servants in time, can’t maintain a stable currency, and can’t have essential drugs in hospitals or fuel for ambulances to spend such amounts of money per trip just to inform the people about the state of his development plans. The President has access to the national TV and radio which he can effectively use to communicate to the nation”, questioned lawyer Allan Ntata.
Opposition party Members refused to attend a splash party where the DPP led government spent lots of money that they claim could have been put to better use.
At the rally State President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika said those who have the advantage of speaking to Malawians through various means, to preach unity, tolerance and co-existence among people of different ethnic and political backgrounds.
This message coming from a President who allowed senior cabinet officers to insult leaders of the opposition is a message destined to fall in deaf ears. The President has been accused by many of sending mixed messages and confusing people.
President Mutharika said it is only when Malawians are united and love their country that they can ably take part in meaningful development activities for their communities and the country as a whole.
Speaking when he addressed a developmental rally at Nyambadwe Ground in Ndirande, the President said people who use various forums to address Malawians, should always make it a point to advise the general on peaceful co-existence.
“If we love our country, it will be easier for us to take part in development initiatives. Are we going to just wait for some foreigners to come and develop this nation?” queried the president.
He also said Malawians need to have personal dignity and integrity, saying those are some of the pillars that make a humble nation.
“We shouldn’t be a people without integrity. If we have dignity we cannot indulge in corruption and other vices that derail development.”
“Had we been a nation with values and principles, Cashgate would not have happened. That kind of embezzling government money at will, happened because some people are greedy and have no dignity and a sense of responsibility,” The President added.
The president appears to be fighting a head wind as many who oppose him still await the outcome of the latest cashgate audit by the Germans that show an even bigger amount of money that cannot be accounted for.
In his address the president also advised Malawians to work with the police in preventing and reducing crime in the country.
“I know many people in the country are living in fear because of the increase in incidences of crime and robbery. The Inspector General of police is working tirelessly with his officers to ensure that law and order returns in our communities,” President Mutharika disclosed.
“I also would like to appeal to you all, when you know someone to be involved in shady business, please report them to police. Let’s fight crime together.”
“There is a police rewards fund which seeks to motivate informants who tip the police on any persons involved in crime. I am putting in my own K3 million to that fund so that anyone who has information leading to the arrest of any robber, should be compensated from that fund,” the president said, to the ululation of the crowd that gathered at the ground.
Critics see these rallies as a way to promote the DPP brand. They claim that if the President was sincere he could not sit there and allow his followers and senior cabinet officials use this as a platform to insult those that do not support government policies.
Looking at the large crowds that attend the rallies, does not give the President and his supporters any pause.
The Malawi leader later urged Malawians to develop a hardworking spirit, ether in the government, private sector or in business.
“We can only develop this country with hard work, diligence and togetherness,” he remarked.
