Tag Archives: Chakwera government

Development

Transfers in Malawi’s civil service: A punitive measure under the Chakwera government

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

In Malawi, transfers within the civil service and other institutions are supposed to be based on merit and justifiable reasons.

However, under the current Malawi Congress Party (MCP) administration led by President Lazarus Chakwera, this process appears to be compromised.

The exercise of civil rights, such as demonstrating or protesting against government policies, seems to trigger transfers, raising concerns about the government’s commitment to upholding fundamental freedoms.

Transfers in the civil service should ideally be guided by principles of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy. This means that decisions on who to transfer, where, and why should be based on objective criteria such as employee performance, skills, and organizational needs.

In the UK’s civil service, for example, transfers between departments and agencies follow a structured process that includes completing a Civil Service Employee Transfer form, which covers HR, payroll, and security clearance transfer.

However, the Chakwera government’s approach to transfers in Malawi’s civil service appears to be driven by a desire to silence dissent and punish those who exercise their rights. Civil servants who participate in demonstrations or protests against government policies are reportedly transferred, often without clear justification or due process.

This practice not only undermines the rule of law but also erodes trust in the government’s commitment to protecting human rights.

Moreover, the police service is also not immune to this trend. Officers who discharge their duties professionally but are perceived to side with the opposition are reportedly transferred or face disciplinary action.

This raises concerns about the independence and impartiality of the police service, which is essential for maintaining law and order in a democratic society.

It’s worth noting that President Chakwera assumed office through demonstrations, which adds a layer of irony to the current situation.

The government’s actions seem to be at odds with the principles of democracy and human rights, which are essential for a healthy and functioning society.

The impact of these transfers on the civil service and the police service cannot be overstated.

It creates a culture of fear and intimidation, where employees are reluctant to speak out or exercise their rights for fear of reprisal. This can lead to a decline in morale, productivity, and overall performance.

Furthermore, the politicization of transfers undermines the merit-based system and creates an environment where appointments are based on loyalty and patronage rather than competence.

This can have far-reaching consequences, including the erosion of public trust in institutions and the perpetuation of corruption.

To restore faith in the system, the Chakwera government must ensure that transfers are based on merit and justifiable reasons, rather than being used as a tool to silence dissent.

The government should establish clear guidelines and criteria for transfers in the civil service, based on objective criteria such as employee performance, skills, and organizational needs.

Additionally, the government should ensure that the police service is protected from politicization and that officers are allowed to discharge their duties independently and impartially.

This can be achieved by establishing clear guidelines and protocols for police operations and ensuring that officers are held accountable for their actions through transparent and independent mechanisms.

The Chakwera government’s approach to transfers in Malawi’s civil service is a cause for concern.

By using transfers as a punitive measure, the government undermines the rule of law and erodes trust in its commitment to protecting human rights.

To restore faith in the system, the government must ensure that transfers are based on merit and justifiable reasons, rather than being used as a tool to silence dissent.

The way forward requires a commitment to upholding the principles of democracy, human rights, and meritocracy.

The government must prioritize transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, and ensure that institutions are independent and impartial.

By doing so, the government can create an environment that promotes creativity, innovation, and productivity, and where employees feel empowered to contribute to the development of the country without fear of reprisal.

Ultimately, the Chakwera government has a responsibility to uphold the principles of democracy and human rights, and to ensure that institutions are independent and impartial.

By doing so, the government can create a better future for Malawi, where citizens can live in peace, prosperity, and dignity.

Law and order

Abuse of power: Chakwera government criticized for misusing ambulance

Maravi Post Reporter

By Jones Gadama

Chakwera government has been criticized for misusing an ambulance to transport Alfred Gangata, the vice president of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the central region, from Lingadzi Police Station to Lumbadzi Court.

This egregious act has raised questions about the government’s priorities and its disregard for the well-being of its citizens.

Gangata, who is expected to appear in court, was reportedly taken into custody on charges of obtaining a Malawi school certificate of education illegally.

While the government’s decision to prosecute Gangata may be seen as a legitimate exercise of its authority, the use of an ambulance for transportation is a clear abuse of power.

The ambulance, which should have been available for medical emergencies, was instead used to ferry a high-profile individual to court.

This raises serious concerns about the government’s priorities and its willingness to misuse public resources for political gain.

The Chakwera government’s actions have been criticized by many, who see this as a clear example of abuse of power. “This is a blatant misuse of public resources,” said one critic, adding that, “The ambulance should be used for medical emergencies, not for ferrying politicians to court.”

The government’s actions have also raised questions about its commitment to accountability and transparency. “This incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in government,” said another critic. “The public has a right to know how public resources are being used.”

Chakwera government’s decision to use an ambulance to transport Alfred Gangata to court is a clear abuse of power.

The government must be held accountable for its actions and ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of all citizens, not just a select few.

Law and order, Malawi, Top News

Malawi’s renown lawyer Mordecai Msiska applauded for turning down Chakwera’s ministerial offer

Richard Kayenda
Mordecai Msiska turns down Chakwera’s ministerial offer

MZUZU-(MaraviPost)-In an unnatural twist of events, Mordecai Msiska has turned down a ministerial position offered to him by the Malawi’s new President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera.

On Monday, June 29, 2020, Malawi leader announced maiden cabinet includeding Mordecai Msiska, who was Chakwera’s lead counsel in the 2019 presidential election case as a Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.

But barely a day after the appointment, Msiska has thrown back the offer arguing there are other better young Malawian lawyers who could be considered for the position and that he has other fish to fry.

“Well, it is true that I advised that I could not take up the appointment for personal reasons. These personal reasons have to do with just a matter of certain precedents and obligations that I have. I have obligations to my members of staff, for instance, in the law firm that I run and I could not walk away from those obligations.

“And importantly, I did feel that having been lead counsel in the elections case, acting as a lead counsel for the President, my getting into the administration, and particularly the ministry of justice would unduly affect the processes that government system has to address,” said the senior counsel.

While commenting on the development, University of Livingstonia based political commentator, George Allan Phiri, applauded Msiska, saying the gesture smacks of a personality who considers the future of the young people in the country.

“The way I understand and know Honourable Mordecai Msiska after the Constitutional Court ruling, he said the owners of the court’s victory were the young people. And because he said that, my understanding is that he wants the position to go to the young people; not that he cannot perform in that position, but that the position should go the more able and younger people who can perform better in that position,” Phiri said.

President Chakwera appointed Mordecai Msiska as a minister beside the Vice President, Dr Saulos Chilima, Alex Mlusu and Richard Chimwendo Banda who have been appointed as Minister of Economic Development and Public Sector Reforms, Minister of Finance and Minister of Homeland Security, respectively

Development

Chakwera Govt advised to get quickly into serious business

Maravi Post Reporter

By Esther Banda

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) joins the band wagon of wishing good will and congratulating the Tonse Alliance Presidential candidate Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera and his running mate Dr. Saulos Klaus Chilima for their well deserved victory in the just ended Fresh Presidential Elections (FPE) held on June 23, 2020.

In a press statement CDEDI said that “it is not the Malawi Congress Party (MCP), or the UTM or any of the nine Political parties that formed the Tonse Alliance that has won. And neither is it the Chewas or any other tribe that has won. But rather, it is Malawians themselves that have won.  

CDEDI Acting Executive Director Sylvester Namiwa says, “CDEDI would be failing in their duty if they do not congratulate the current cohort of Commissioners for the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC), led by Judge Dr. Chifundo Kachali for hitting the ground running as clearly demonstrated by their working around the clock to ensure that Malawians vote within a period of 14 days from the day the Commission was ushered into office. And appeal to the new leaders to immediately invest a lot of time and energy  in rebuilding the Malawi one nation dream”.

“CDEDI, just like all well-meaning Malawians are of the view that both Dr. Chakwera and Dr. Chilima have no luxury of honey moon since they have inherited a country that has been at a standstill for over a year now, and it really requires a lot of fixing. The immediate challenges topping the list being national unity, peace building and reconciliation!”  He explained

CDEDI warned those who owe loyalty allegiance to the DPP in the public service to desist from any attempts to frustrate the government’s effort to fix the dirt and the rot that might be found.