Tag Archives: Politics and Religion

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Politics and Religion: My only Fears about Atupele’s Presidential Aspiration

Maravi Post correspondent
Atupele Muluzi
Lands Minster Atupele Muluzi defends controversial customary Land bill

As we draw closer to the election day of May 20, the citizenry anxieties are riffing with tipsy thoughts of who to vote for still the headache of the day.Though with mixed reactions, the four upfront presidential contenders have all been approved by MEC, meaning that they have met of the requirements for them to contest.This has given them emotional and psychological muscle to come closer to the electorates for votes either through true promises or masks. Atupele Muluzi is one of the big four in this election, no doubt about that.

Atupele Muluzi is the first youngest but influential presidential aspirant Malawi has ever had. It may be because of his father’s blood in him or just knowing how to play it safe and clever. Despite Uladi Mussa’s loud mouthing, Atupele is of age to contest as per Malawi’s constitution. He is 35 years, young and strong. I don’t doubt his capability to run this country; the young man appears composed and visionary. He is also clever enough to distance himself from his father’s failures. Well, truly speaking, Atupele is not Bakili; the two have different hearts beating separately and their brains reasoning independently. I also believe that Atupele has acquired the minimum education stipulated in our constitution to run for the top seat. Besides these, I still have concerns and fears about his aspiration.

One of my concerns is that although he has his own brain and heart, the father’s influence cannot be strange during his tenure just in case he wins. You and I remember that, Bakili Muluzi brought Bingu wa Mutharika on board thinking he was a puppet whom he would manipulate at will, unfortunately and fortunately to Malawians, this did not work out. We thanked God that even when we thought He had desolated us by letting UDF win again, He saw beyond the reach of our eyes and later we sung a different song. We were out of UDF’s miserable administration. This is why we should think twice when we condemn Bingu of betraying UDF. I tend to believe, that was God’s making. Bakili wanted to ring the bell from the back, thank God, the plans were frustrated.

Now, Atupele’s fate may be different in that this is his father not a stranger or ordinary person. In plain language, what I mean is, by voting Atupele Muluzi to power, we are actually reverting Bakili’s leadership. Atupele may claim to be different when he is in public and some of you would believe him, but behind the scenes, he may be discussing different plans with his father. I hope you remember Bakili saying, “anthu mukhale ndi makobidi mmatumba mwanu (I will make sure you have money in your pockets).” There was a time we should not forget; people had money but no maize in ADMARKs. People could go to bed with money in their pockets but no food to buy as a result people died of hunger. This is what Atupele has already started saying during his campaign rallies.
My other fear is related to religion. As we stand now, our constitution does not stipulate our nation being either, Christian, Islamic or secular but that we are a sovereign state. To me this is better and neutral and accommodative to all of us, but am afraid with the coming in of another Muluzi, things may be contrary. When Bakili was in power, making Malawi an Islamic state was one of his agendas with the covenant he made with the late Libyan president, Comrade Muammar Gaddafi but time was not on his side to finish the project but he tried. You and I remember that we didn’t have as many mosques as we have now. This was the work of Bakili Muluzi. He made sure that there is a mosque after every 10 kilometers in urban areas which he succeeded as all of you can witness. Malawi received aid from Islamic countries with such a motive behind.

Recently, you remember one Yao chief Busiri of T/A Chowe claimed that Mangochi is an Islamic state and that all pig farmers should vacate the area. Well, MAM disowned such claims but who knows what is behind the scenes, they may be saying, “be patient chief, wait until Atupele gets in power.” You may think, I am having a propaganda agenda but wait until Atu is in power and make your own evaluation. Some reports were already rife that al-Qaeda promised Atupele money for campaign if only he assures them of turning Malawi to an Islamic state. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not against Muslims, they are our brothers and sisters but I believe that we have more freedom now than having an Islamic state. With an Islamic state, Christians and other religions may not have a breathing space at all. Never in Malawi’s history did Christians and Muslims fought until when Bakili became president. The Church was burnt in Mangochi and a Mosque in Mzuzu during campaign towards 1999 general elections. This was because, Muslims thought it was now their time. It was during Bakili’s leadership when we started hearing about Al Qaeda (the militant group founded by Osama bin Laden) and Al Shabaab having a hideout in Malawi. I am afraid; this may be worse if Atupele becomes president of Malawi. Wherever Al Qaeda and Al Shabaab are, people know no peace; there are bombs and grenades in unexpected public places just to kill innocent people in the name of religion.

I believe that on this, our constitution is better being neutral than declaring Malawi, “an Islamic state.” Atupele may rebuff this for the sake of votes but once he gets in power, you know how our presidents behave; no one will have the infantry to stop him. I would be a bit confortable if he was someone’s running mate than a presidential aspirant though he would be a president in waiting after winning election as well and ending up with the Bingu/Joyce situation.

These are my only fears. He who has ears has heard. Don’t say, no one warned you. Think about it, the choice is yours but remember that choices have consequences.

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POLITICS AND RELIGION: Politics of tribalism, Prophesy and Constitutional Crisis in Malawi

Maravi Post correspondent

Many election stakeholders and commentators had foreseen this year’s general election to be highly contested and that has become true. It’s interesting and somehow sad that some things which could not be predicted have emerged after people have casted their votes. The after-month of vote casting, the following things have been clearly manifested: politics of tribalism, prophetic confusion and constitutional crisis.

Politics of Tribalism

When candidates were campaigning, tribalism was not that an issue except in the southern region where MCP faced a cold shoulder with very low turn up of cloud during their rallies. In the central and northern region, one could not tell as to which party was dominant. After the vote was cast, we now know that northerners were interested in JB, central was interested in Chakwera and Southerners were much interested in Peter.

The voting has been regionalistic and tribal to some extent. Though JB does not come from the north, the husband is affiliated to that region which gave the wife an upper hand in that region. However, the fact that MCP got many votes on the centre does not really mean that every Chewa voted for MCP because if it was so, MCP would have won with landslide. The fact that DPP got many votes in the southern region does not mean that only Lomwes voted for DPP because if it was so, DPP would not be claiming victory by now considering their numbers. The same applies to UDF/Yao and PP/tumbuka or Tonga respectively.

 

In Malawi the Chewas get a share of over 50% of the total population, then yaos, then tumbukas or lomwes etc. Then, why am I saying politics of tribalism in Malawi? After unofficial results were announced by ZBS, let alone MEC’s partial official results of 30% tipped Peter to be the winner, it was a disappointment on the social media especially face-book. While jubilation of hope is not prohibited, a wrong signal was indicated there.

I read many posts which said, “Viva Mulhako” “Mulhako wa a Lomwe waku state house” “Mlakho wa a Lomwe woyeeee!!” I was just wondering, “Is DPP equals Mulhako wa a Lomwe?” If indeed this means so to Lomwes, what about the non-Lomwes who voted for DPP, were they just been used to promote Mlhako heritage other than Malawi? One lady lamented in her comment to this tribalism promoting post saying, “it’s not fair guys, what about us who are not lomwes but voted for DPP, were we just been used to promote your tribe?” Tribalistic guys shamelessly lambasted her saying, “zako zimenezo, ngati zikukuwawa usova.”

They continued to attack her saying, “don’t you know that in Malawi every party is affiliated to a particular tribe?” “If MCP won, you also would be saying, Gawa Undi woyeeee!” I felt so bad that instead of promoting Malawi, other empty heads are busy promoting a tribe. People are forgetting that Malawi is greater than a tribe, and DPP should be greater than a tribe also and serve the interest of all Malawians if it gets into power. If we vote on tribal lines, one tribe will rule Malawi forever and that tribe may be the Chewa. So, what about us who belong to smaller tribes, don’t we deserve to rule Malawi too?

I am afraid that what Bingu started, not development but tribalism will continue from where it stopped. During Bingu, lomwes had a lion’s share of government positions and left the rest to non-lomwes. This is likely to repeat itself since Lomwes were voting for DPP with their tribe in mind while others just voted. Believe me or not, non-Lomwes are yet to regret again for putting DPP in power because from the comments on Facebook, DPP equals lomwes and if you are not a lomwe, you will not enjoy a national cake.

Prophetic Confusion

During this time we have witnessed prophetic confusion. Some so called men of God prophesying not what God says but to please a particular candidate and later the candidate realises was cheated by a prophecy. A Sunday before elections, Bushiri gave a prophecy saying that, he saw an orange coloured party winning the election. He claimed that a woman is yet again to rule Malawi and there will be prosperity and that electionNwas going to be peaceful.

Though, election results have not been announced, it is unlikely that Joyce Banda who was the only female frontrunner can win these elections. So, what does that say about Bushiri’s prophecy? This was a man who also cheated Malawians after Bingu died by saying that economy was to stabilise by July 2012. He later changed and said it was to stabilise in six months. All these prophecies did not come true; instead, the country suffered serious economic challenges. So, what kind of a person is Prophet Bushiri? Your guess is as good as mine.

Prophet Liyabunya was almost accurate in his prophecies but he later messed up. He at first prophesied that Peter Mutharika was going to win the election but with the condition that Peter visits him to his house which Peter ignored. Later, prophet Liyabunya said that since Peter did not fulfil the condition, he was going to lose and we were going to continue with PP government. If Peter is declared a winner, will we say that Liyabunya’s prophecy has come true? No, because he later gave another prophecy nullifying the earlier one.

I am just lounging when I hear some DPP zealots that Liyabunya’s prophecy has come true when he later nullified it. It is also laughable to say that the prophecy has been fulfilled when the results have not been announced. One other prophet of Blantyre also prophesied that a born again Christian was going to rule Malawi. This prophecy was released before Chakwera joined politics and when he joined politics, it was like the prophecy fulfilled. However, we are yet to see if this prophecy will come true or Chakwera will be robbed of his victory.

One other prophecy was that of T. B. Joshua that the party with a blue colour was going to win. I didn’t listen to this prophecy myself; I heard it as second person. However, I was just wondering whether this party is DPP or that of John Chinsi since they both use blue colours though that of Chinsi has lost already and was unlikely to win. I am waiting to see if the winning party will be DPP or MCP as of prophecies above.

Constitutional Crisis

This tripartite election has revealed that our constitution has a lot of loopholes to consider revising. This is in line with what I wrote earlier last year. When it was noted that the elections have been marred with grave irregularities, president Banda citing section 88(2), ordered for discontinuity of vote counting and directed for re-run within 90 days. MESN, MLS, Law experts and some political parties said that she doesn’t have those powers and said that it’s only MEC which can decide what to do next in such situations.

MEC got an injunction against the president’s directives. Later own MEC admitted of these irregularities and decided to re-count the votes, vindicating the president’s observation which they had rejected.  After MEC decided to recount, same people and organisations said, MEC has no powers to decide on re-counting but the court has. So, which is which? Who has the powers to put things in order in a situation like this? According to the constitution, MEC is independent and has to do its job without any interference.

When MEC saw that things were not right, with its mandate of running the elections and making sure that elections are free and fair, decided to re-count the votes and we are saying it doesn’t have the mandate, which is responsible to foresee free and fair elections then? The courts are also not giving proper direction. This is why section 65 remains unapplied because when the speaker excises his powers, the court comes in and nullifies the speaker’s decision. We are yet heading to a repeat of history, “section 65 first, No, budget first.”  For sure whichever party wins must consider constitutional revision so that we don’t face this chaos again.

The whole thing is complicated now. If other parties are claiming that DPP rigged election and needed the issue to be sorted, which direction do we take after denying re-run or total re-count? Partial re-counting is not enough to solve the problem at hand. If 19 centres were found with ghost voters from a total of 30% votes counted, how sure are we that the remaining 70% is clean? Before agreeing with partial re-count, DPP denied re-counting.

If DPP is clean on these allegations, why is it denying then? This may be equated to a situation where a thief denies to be searched for fear of being discovered. The other thing is; DPP is claiming victory from just 30% official results released, what makes it feel that the 70% remaining may not turn things around.

Since 70% is larger than 30%, it is very much possible for the results to change. From the 30%, MCP is placed on third position when in the final it is believed that it is second or first, what makes DPP think that they may not be second or third in the final results? If this happens, will DPP not think they have been cheated? Remember 2004 when Gwanda thought had won only to be found on third position in the final results. So, it’s better to wait for final results before claiming victory because if things come out different while you thought you won, you bring unnecessary violence in the country.

If we are to have re-run, will coalitions be allowed? If they will be allowed, will this not bring confusion if the party which believed it had won comes out to be a looser? Okay, let’s put the issue of coalitions aside. Let’s assume, parties are to run the way they did and still the party which believed it had won comes out to be a looser, will they accept the results? The answer is no, so still confusion.

Well, let’s come to re-count. If after re-counting, you find the number of voters exceeded the registered voters, whose votes will MEC deduct? What about in areas where zeroes were removed to reduce one’s number of votes, how will that be sorted out? Whose number of votes will be added? The other question is; how safe are the ballot papers after voting to be sure that re-count will bring justice? Now, the question is, how do we solve these dilemmas? This is the issue of a constitution.

We need to revise the constitution to say that, the winner should have 50% plus one vote of the total votes cast and having at least half of the number of the total members of parliament. This allows the government to run well. Other countries have done it after passing through what we are passing through now and we can also do it. Now, how do we solve the situation at hand before the constitution is revised?

I suggest that political parties agree on re-run of the election especially on the presidential ticket with tight security and monitoring and accept the results. Re-count would bring more confusion since after voting, the ballot papers do not receive security as before voting. From experience, no petition against the winner has ever succeeded in Malawi once the president is sworn in, so to say that after the winner has been sworn in others can still go to court would mean fighting a losing battle.

There is no way the president can be removed from power after taking oath of office in Malawi. That would be interpreted as treason. After all, there is no provision in our constitution to wait for petitions before the winning presidential candidate is sworn in. This is why we should revise our constitution to give that provision also. The law should also be clear on who is responsible to nullify counting, results, order re-run when faced with election irregularities.

In conclusion, I have observed that MESN, MLS, Madonna, media etc. have brought more confusions than solutions to our dilemmas through their sided comments. Let people, societies, organisations and media comment or report neutrality without partiality to avoid more confusions. With the situation at hand parties other than DPP feel rejected through these comments.

Shalom Malawi!!

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Politics and Religion: my Presidential choice as may 20 is fast approaching

Maravi Post correspondent

It is a known fact that the much awaited day in Malawi, the first ever tripartite elections is fast approaching with only 14 days remaining. The presidential candidates, aspiring MPs and ward counsellors are increasing campaign gears though not as 2009 campaign yet.Bingu’s campaign was hot. I expected more advanced campaign with cash gate but I am not impressed yet.Well, that aside.

What has attracted my attention is what people in different political camps are saying against each other’s history, mostly the four front runner parties; MCP, UDF, DPP and PP in order of their tenure. I have decided to have my say on my presidential choice.

I have heard people saying that, we should not vote for MCP because it is a party of killers, a party which violated people’s rights,a ng’ona party. They even go further to mention people they believe were killed by MCP during one party system.

Some people they mention are MasaukoChipembere, Gadama, Matenje, Sangala just to mention but the notable ones. Condolence messages are pouring in on social media to their family members. I am just wondering, why now? The issue ofMakhadi (registration cards) is also used to taint MCP image. They mockingly say, “Mwinatu inu munali ana.”Recently, a renowned historian, D. D. Phiri, attacked MCP four corner stones as what was part of people’s grievances against MCP rule. The question continues, why now D. D. Phiri?

In order of their tenure, UDF has not been spared. Thoseagainst UDF have attacked it on the basis of beating chiefs and pastors like me. The hunger and insecurity which rocked the country during its reign. They mention about kupopedwamagazi and many others.The mysterious death of EvisonMatafale in the hands of the police has not been spared. The issue of corruption is also mentioned with reference to MK1.7 billion believed to have been pocked by BakiliMuluzi. The question is, why at this point in time?

DPP followed and those against it mention issues of violation of human rights even in multiparty system with reference to believed killing of Robert Chasowa and other 20 people on July 20, 2011. May their souls rest in peace! They also touch the issue of fuel and currency scarcity with manipulating laws against the majority’s wish not being spared. Reference is also made on the change of national flag.It’s interesting that some poor historians attack continued use of what they call national flag colours by MCP not knowing that the colours were originally MCP’s, that’s why Bingu thought it wise to change.

They also say that hunger and insecurity engulfed the country during the last days of Bingu’s reign. The question remains, why now?

President Joyce Banda and her People’s Party have not been spared.A lothas been said against PP such as; skyrocketing of prices of goods on the market, poor decisions which have led some companies closing down thereby increasing unemployment leading to an increase in prostitution and theft andallowing Lake Malawi to go quietly to the taifas.

Cash gate is a bomb shell against PP. Others have said that PP has killed many people than any other party which has ruled Malawi through Cash gate leading to lack of medication in hospitals.They wonder where the money JB is flushing out coming from. The Jet-gate is also an added salt and many others within two years of its rule.

My fellow Malawians, for the sake of sincerity, allow me to ignore other parties other than the four mentioned above. Not that they are outcasts but it’s a known that fact they may not take the government this time around, may be in the future.Even among the four, I must be honest, with the stories pointed above; I am confused as to which party is clean and trustworthy. Unfortunately these are the only choices we have at hand. It’s indisputable that one of these four parties will take the government come May 21.

All supporters in these camps have confidence that their party will carry the day, something good but also worrisome because if the opposite happens when you think you won, God forbid violence may engulf the country.It’s even foolish that other camps are already preparing for violence if they lose; thank God, He is with Malawi.

No weapon fashioned against Malawi shall prosper come May 20. Others, calling themselves prophets are busy confusing people even more with their questionable prophecies. To be honest, some of these so called prophecies are not prophecies at all but just predictions which any one can do. These prophecies (predictions) may even bring more confusion come May 20, because if those prophecies (predictions) in other party’s favour don’t come true, such a party will think its victory has been robbed because God chose it.

So which presidential candidate is my choice? After deep examination, I have realised that all the four front runner parties have their bad history but three of the presidential contenders have never ruled Malawi before. They may be my choice because we haven’t seen the work of their hands in such a position yet; unfortunately they are associated with the parties with wrong histories. I have however, realised that they are all Malawians, something good to me.

I would advise you to follow my choice of the presidential candidate. My choice is that of the president who is a Malawian and has never been convicted of any crime. As long as the presidential candidate who will win is a Malawian, not a foreigner, I have no problem provided s/he cares about peace and prosperity.

As we go closer to May 20, let us all be open minded to welcome any contender who comes out victorious, that way, we shall avoid post-election violence and embrace peace and prosperity. This is not withstanding yourchoice but its indisputable that one candidate will win. S/he may be from your camp or another but one thing is common, they are all Malawians so let’s welcome whoever comes for the sake of peace and prosperity.

I wish Malawi peace and prosperity forever and ever!

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Politics and Religion: Hon Gwengwe, please tell Malawians if politics is a dirty game and evil?

Maravi Post correspondent

In the forthcoming general election, it is a known fact that either MCP, PP, DPP or UDF will run the government after May 20. We also know that politicians’ anxieties and BPs are increasing each day and night-thinking seriously on how to campaign.It is unfortunate however that, when we thought Malawi politics is maturing, the likes of Sosten Gwengwe and Uladi Mussa continue with old style of the same. I thought Malawi is now civilised but it looks like I jumped my shadow so fast. I am just wondering, is politics a dirty and ungodly game? Could it be that those who are in politics don’t care about God? I am asking these questions to at least get answers from either honourable Uladi Mussa or Honourable Sosten Gwenge in respect to their castigation of the respected man of God Rev. Dr. Lazarus Chakwera.

I may not be MCP but I respect men and women of God. I mean those who operate their daily life with the fear of the Lord whether in politics or not. Gwengwe condemned Chakwera on a political rally at Mazengera Primary School ground saying it is a shame that MCP president Rev. L. Chakwera dumped his church service as an ordained pastor and go into politics.I would like Honourable Gwengwe to authentically inform us about the other side of politics which we may not have known which he and other veteran politicians know.During her inauguration ceremony as the president of this country, Madam Joyce claimed to have felt the Holy Spirit. Does it mean that Banda was lying against the spirit of God that He came upon her since there is no godliness in politics?

My understanding is that politics is one way of a call from God to serve His people. Only those who go into politics with construed understanding twist the true meaning of politics. Since they think politics is a dirty game they go into politics being ready to be dirty instead of bringing righteousness. These are the people who don’t have conscious to amass public resources for their selfish gain since in their hearts; there is no fear of the Lord Almighty in politics.Is Gwenge telling us that politicians are not doing a godly service? Is Gwengwe telling us that we should see politicians as people who have disobeyed God? I am just wondering because if it’s not that, I see nothing wrong with Rev. Chakwera to join politics if he is to bring clean politics and cleanse the whole system.I wonder if Gwengwe is afraid that if many God fearing people get into politics, there will be no chances for cash gating.

Meaning of Politics

Let me remind honourable Gwengwe if at all he knew. The term politics comes from the Greek word politikos, meaning of, for, or relating to citizens. Some dictionary meanings of politics are; “the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs”, “the art or science of government or governing, especially the governing of a political entity, such as a nation, and the administration and control of its internal and external affairs.” Apolitician is “a person who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making.” This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election or inheritance. Let Malawians know if there is anything wrong with Chakwera getting involved in doing that.

If it’s sinful for pastors to join politics, then honourable Gwenwe should first of all preach this sermon to PP gurus; Rev. Sembeleka, Rev. Malani Mtonga, Pastor Brown Mpinganjira, Rev. Peter Kaleso among others. Or, does it mean that PP is the church and its political rallies rivals? As far as I am concerned, I respect these men of God too in spite of their political party’s affiliation.

Back to Sunday school

Let me take honourable Gwengwe back to Sunday school for I believe he too is a Christian unless he disagrees with me from now hence forth. My bible tells me that, touch not my anointed one (Psalm 105:15). This God spoke even after Saul did wrong before God. Saul was anointed by God to be king and no one was allowed to kill him for any reason. It was God’s work to judge Saul by taking away his anointing and remove him from kingship. Reading from the bible, the Israelites insisted of having an earthlyKing to be like other kingdoms (1 Samuel 8:1-21). God through Samuel anointed Saul as their first King, then David (1 Samuel 16:1ff), after Saul had fallen short of the grace of God because of sin, then Solomon who even asked for wisdom to rule God’s people (1 Kings 3:1-15) etc. Kingship was a form of politics of that time. When you read 1Kings and 2 Kings, you will note that God blessed Israel depending on the leader in power. God used to abandon Israel whenever the King became evil and disobeyed God but blessed them when the King led them to obeying Him. You may say that these people were not pastors, but remember, during that time religion and kingship were intertwined. God maybe unhappy with Malawi because our leaders are ungodly and He wishes to change the situation for our good. Does honourable Gwengwe have any problem with that?

Basing on the Bible, leaders are to be chosen by God and if Rev Chakwerais really called by God to do so, he will surely win this forthcoming election and we will see the fruits of the Holy Spirit from him (Galatians 5:22-24). This will benefit the whole nation such as reduction in corruption, insults on political podiums, political party trotting which comes as a result of greed, promotion of immoral rights and other evils which have been dominant for the past 20 years. Does anyone have a problem with that? If Chakwera’s aspiration is influenced by self-interest, I pray that he loses this election to avoid more problems. In 1992/93/94, we cried for democracy just as Israelites cried for a king. God may work for our own good within the democratic world since that’s the only way one can use to lead the nation. However, when pastors get involved in politics, care should be taken not to allow politics become their god as others have done. Uladi Mussa calls Chakwera, a Galatian. When is he going to do what is right since being a politician equals a Galatian?

Constitutional Right

We should also note that the Constitution of the Republic of Malawi (Chapter 5:32:1) gives all its citizens freedom of association with joining politics inclusive. I believe that before everyone else becomes a pastor, s/he is a citizen who is entitled to all rights and freedoms stipulated in our constitution. Chakwera is not an exception to this provision for he too is a citizen of this country. To me having a God fearing president would be to our advantage as opposed to Gwengwe’s fears.Gwengwe’s insinuations remind me that we are in the world where Holiness is evil and evil is Holiness. These deceptive speeches only tell a story that PP’s greatest fear is MCP.

We know that democracy, the practice which started in the city of Anthens by such proponents as Aristotle is from two Greek terms; “demos”, meaning people, and “kratos”, meaning rule, means a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows eligible citizens to participate equally, either directly or through elected representatives.Every citizen is a politician in one way or another. We are in one way or another associated witha particular political party including those who deny to vote. Politics is the way to rule or making decisions for the nation. It is not a dirty game but dirty people make it dirty. We make a voice by voting to put leaders of our choice on positions and remove those who have frustrated us. That is politics and there is nothing wrong with that. It is only a cursed nation that wishes to be governed by ungodly people. If Gwengwe is seriously looking forward to becoming the vice president of this country, he should consider being godly and respect others or we shall all be doomed when PP wins. It is as a result of the same ungodliness that we are crying of billions of Kwachas being amassed by few self-centred politicians.Change and only transformational change is what we need!

 

 

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Politics and Religion: Contradictions engulf cash gate audit report as Malawians feel mocked

Maravi Post correspondent

“Justice delayed is justice denied.” – William E. Gladstone

Through the unfortunate incident in which the Malawi budget director was shot, many things done in the dark at the Capitol Hill came to light and to the common knowledge of every patriotic Malawian. I am referring to the high profiled heavy corruption and looting of tax payers’ money. This is the money that a poor Malawian sweated for.  Some people default paying school fees, rent, medical bills, food and many others just because Caesar claims a larger portion. It is very unfortunate that despite the revelation of this looting through someone who would have been buried by now, nothing tactile is happening. As Malawians, we feel mocked by the contradictions surrounding the Cash Gate audit report; the report we thought was done by professionals and nonpartisan personnel to bring justice.

One such contradiction took place before the audit report by a top citizen when she claimed to have knowledge of the one who shot Paul Mphwiyo. To trickily convince Malawians, amayi said that whosoever shot the budget director was aiming at frustrating her efforts to combat corruption. Asked by the journalists on the same on arrival from UN meeting in 2013, President Banda shamelessly changed tune and denied to have said anything as such. This was red signal that justice on the cash gate scene would be compromised. Amayi also promised us to bring to book anyone linked to cash gate and that there was not going to be a sacred cow. In line with that Kasambala, Lutepo and many others were arrested. Malawians started gaining confidence in PP government; unfortunately the effort seemed to be a mask in what Chakwera calls cosmetics. Others also believed that the bigger fishes than Kasambala and Lutepo were shielded. The naming of president Banda as a witness by Kasambala made the whole movie even more interesting. People have many questions than answers as to why of all people, Kasambala picked the whole president to stand in the dock. We are yet to know as the tape unfolds.

When the British government sponsored the audit exercise, Malawians waited patiently and looked forward to the results of the same. British government even suspended aid to Malawi on the basis of cash gate. Now that the report is concluded, more frustrating contradictions are emerging. The government with the leadership of Joyce Banda who vowed to fight corruption and bring the perpetrators to book has released the masked report. For sure this is an insult to Malawians. What do you take us for? I understand there is a complete report with names and companies linked to cash gate somewhere, why not bring it to light? There is no truth in darkness; we need the report to be brought to light. I also hear that, the names and companies were not revealed on legal grounds. What are you telling us? When you said that the culprits will face the long hand of the law, how did you plan to do that without legal process? Where will these people be prosecuted, at ICC or Malawi? Well even at ICC, we shall still know. It is only the witnesses who can be concealed for security purposes. So, how do you plan to hide them from the public knowledge while carrying out the prosecution? This is a serious contradiction I have failed to understand. I wonder what the motive of this audit exercise was. Was it to please mzungu or to serve Malawians?

It is also shocking that the British government which freezed aid to Malawi on the basis of cash gate has warned against revealing the names and companies linked to the cash gate without giving proper reasons. Contradictorily Nevin also said and I quote “it was clear the losses would not have been uncovered without the determination of the government but the findings are so serious that the Joyce Banda administration must now take urgent action to bring the culprits to justice and restore confidence in its finances.” I wonder how the culprits will be brought to justice if they are not revealed. I equate this situation as saying, “choose whether I kill or behead you.” You know both lead to death. I hear Britain as saying, “bring the cash gate culprits to justice or we will not give you aid and if you reveal the names, you have disobeyed us, so we will not give you aid.” What a trap! This is why the beggar or the borrower is always a slave to a giver or lender. Wait a minute just in case I am mistaken, can it be that the only money which was stolen was the donation from Britain not tax payers’ and that is why after the audit, Britain still tells us what to do. Are we really a sovereign nation? If for sure tax payers’ money was stolen, is it not the tax payer who is a complainant and s/he has to know the master minders of the cash gate scandal? Why must we only listen to what Britain or IMF says and rubbish the concerns of the citizenry? Tell us, are we governed by Britain, IMF or Malawi government? Please, note that justice delayed is justice denied. There is no justice in the way this case is being handled.

I am just confused. Can it be that PP government has secretly pleaded with British government to conceal the culprits for now until after elections for fear of being de-campaigned? Can it be that the two top citizens are linked to this unfortunate incident and that British government has given amayi grace period up until after elections? Can it be that the government arrested wrong people and it is wondering how to handle the situation now? I just have more questions than answers. Malawians, let’s wakeup, we are being ruled by donors here and we should be careful. These people have the potential of putting the leaders of their choice in government and their choices are always not in favour of the citizens. They usually support those they can easily manipulate. I hope that’s not what they are planning here since they may have a hidden agenda to achieve after May 20. You know that this can only be realised if the weak leader is in power. It must be mentioned herein that whether the audit exercise was sponsored by Britain or not, the related report belongs to Malawians and not Britain or IMF. British audit firm has done its part; Britain should let us handle the case in our own way not dictations. I believe we are not robots. The report therefore, must be fully made public. We are tired of being taken for granted. We are tired of being pushed left, right and centre. This is not the time of colonialism; we are a sovereign nation I believe. It must also be mentioned herein that, to say that it is up to the Malawi government to reveal the names or not is a misplaced statement. Government officials are the servants of the entire republic and if the citizens have demanded for the revelation of the names behind Cash Gate scenes, if indeed the government we have is a listening one as it claims, the bride has to be uncovered.

It must be noted herein that if this is a matter of buying time, it is a matter of time that this scene will justly be brought to an end when government changes hands after May 20. Mulandu suwola (the case doesn’t rote).

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Politics and Religion: The top citizen abashes Malawian society

Maravi Post correspondent

“Everything rises and falls on leadership”- John Maxwell

 I learnt with a shock that dead bodies at KCH have no space to be laid on. I was tempted to ignore assuming it may be an exaggeration considering that such things cannot happen if we have a leadership in place but then, I remembered that some so called leaders are irresponsible. PP government has been blowing a trumpet that MCP killed many people, I wonder if there is a record of how many if at all the number can compare with that which Cash gate has arrogated. We are told that MCP killed Sangala, Gadama, Matenje and many others. The issue went to court and the government lost because of insufficient evidences to prove the crime. Despite that, Bakili Muluzi and Bingu wa Mutharika used the demise of Sangala, Gadama and Matenje as a campaign vessel claiming that they were clean while MCP was blooded. Well, this is true to some extent but tell me, which party is clean in this country. If we are to vote on May 20, is just a matter of electing the lesser evil.

After claiming to be a political engineer, Bakili disgraced pastors and bishops during his tenure saying they should stay away from politics forgetting that they took a lead role in fighting Kamuzu’s one party system of government. Some chiefs were beaten in public. In 2001, there was a serious hunger in Malawi and many people died due to incompetent leadership to sort things out. Despite people losing their lives as a result of hunger, Bakili’s government took to task any chief who begged the president on political rally to help hunger situation in his area. We haven’t forgotten about Matafali’s mysterious death either.

Bingu started well but finished badly as Galatians, like Billy Kaunda sung in reference to Bakili Muluzi’s leadership. DPP cadets beat anyone they heard criticising Mutharika’s government. We know how many people died just for expressing their dissatisfaction with Mutharika government in the street on July 20, 2011. We haven’t forgotten about Chasowa’s mysterious death also.

These are the deaths we know and partly history though difficult to forget. I haven’t’ heard of any mysterious death with PP government because many of the deaths taking place are in lay man’s language. However, note that some drivers get imprisoned not because they hit someone deliberately but because of killing out of negligent driving. This is the case with PP government. We have lost many of our brothers and sisters out of government’s negligence to provide basic social services. Our lovely doctors and nurses took to street pressuring government to provide them with enough drugs and apparatus to use in hospitals and medical centres but alas, the loud noise has been hitting on deaf ears. This may be because none of their relatives is part of such suffering. May be because, they have money to fly out of the country for medical attention. However, don’t forget that when there were no necessary drugs at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Bingu died before he was flown to South Africa, who knows what may happen next. When people and doctors complained about lack of drugs in our hospitals, one irresponsible PP member attributed it to opposition interference in government affairs. He meant that hospitals are full of drugs but doctors are influenced by opposition parties to stage demonstrations just to discredit government. For sure, a responsible government cannot dare to vomit such bubbles. I think it’s high time we sued the PP government for lives lost out of its negligence so as to put it to record that PP has killed many people than any other government we have ever had. Imagine about 30 decomposed dead bodies buried in mass graves at Biwi cemetery as if we had genocide.

As John Maxwell says “everything rises and falls on leadership.” If we had enough security, drugs, quality education, employment opportunities, good roads and other social amenities, good salaries for civil servants and many others, it would be JB given credit. Now that we have a contrary situation, JB should receive the equal measure, I mean being discredited.

It is not a surprise that cold rooms are broken down. These fridges are always full since many people are dying of treatable diseases at KCH and other hospitals due to lack of drugs. We expect nothing less. This is a manifestation of a careless government which is set to bring indignity in our society. I believe that the hospital management reported this to the ministry of health or whosoever is responsible for repair or purchase of new fringes but this is happening out of negligence or insufficient funds since cash gate has finished it all. It’s pitiful our ministers are not functional either. All they know is to make the bow of the year like that of Binton Kutsaira. It pains me to hear ministers and MPs saying that, “I will do my best to please madam president. I will always pay my allegiance to her.” What a shame! You should first pay your allegiance to us electorates before anyone else. Malawian politicians are very disappointing and embarrassing.

I am afraid, if this government can be this irresponsible even after few months to general elections, how much worse and damage will it do if given a five year mandate. I expected this government to appeal for more votes by being sensitive to people’s concerns but alas, it is so insensitive. I wonder if we still need such a government after May 20. Dead bodies lying in wards, is very unMalawian. How can a sick fellow recover when s/he sees dead bodies all over around? My fellow Malawians, you know better how many people have died due to PP’s irresponsible governance. It is up to you to judge which party has killed many people. Count how many hospitals and health centres we have and record how many people have died due to lack of drugs within these two years. Then tell me which party is clean in Malawi.

Fortunately, we have May 20 as Jimmy Kainja said, “to vote for achievable policies and not one’s political survival.” We have May 20 to make a decisive choice for the next five years, to continue with this abashment and irresponsible government or try another. People have never died like this in our hospitals with the past governments, this is too much. The so called Human Rights Organisations are just scratching on JB’s back without tactual action on this irresponsibility but making noise about legalising homosexuality. So disappointing! They want to take Malawi government to court on the issue of criminalising homosexuals instead of suing government on issues like this. If I had enough money for legal battle, I would have sued the government myself as a concerned citizen. This is uncalled for.

I cry for my mother Malawi but I am consoled for God is a righteous judge and He will soon judge accordingly!

 

 

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Politics and Religion: Malawi presidential running mates and Peter’s selfish choice

Maravi Post correspondent
Hypocrisy of Malawian Politics

It is a known secret that all the running mates for all party front-runners have been announced and filed their papers. The delay to announce the running mates by all political parties shows the dilemma of presidential candidates in doing so. This may be as a result of trying not to disintegrate the party by a wrong choice or wishing to learn and calculate from others’ choices. The young Muluzi was the most brave one who didn’t wait on other candidates to announce the running mate though late too. Our madam president was the last; I believe she was in a serious dilemma than others. The dilemma of keeping the present state vice president, Khumbo Kachali or chose another one for convenience.

While it is the fact that the most anticipated announcements of running mates is done, the game is not over but clear that the battle line has been drawn. Does a running mate add any chances to winning elections? I am just asking, the answer may vary from one individual to another but to me the basis of a running mate choice should go beyond winning elections. My understanding is that, a running mate is a potential vice president who is the president in waiting. A foul play in presidential running mate choice is likely to cost the country in case of a party’s victory and the president happens to resigns, impeached or incapacitated. It is infelicitous that the delay in picking running mates was based on a dilemma of choosing a running mate who can bring votes and not administrative capability.

Bingu’s choice of running mate was also not based on administrative capability of Joyce Banda but votes. With his death, we ended up with the president who has not been a preferred one for most Malawians. I wish this could be a lesson to our presidential hopefuls. If we analyse the current running mates, I wonder if Gwengwe is capable of running the government in case of an unforeseen circumstances. To add hot soup to this, I would say that these running mates have been chosen basing on adding votes and not caring about what will happen after May 20. Some are likely to fail working with their vice president just as Bingu did, in case of election victory since the choice was based on selfish gain.

On the same note, the history has taught us that a running mate does not influence the voting pertain that much in Malawi. In 1999 and 2004, UDF did not get more votes from the central region despite picking a running mate from there. In 1999, Central region voted for a party MCP despite being led by the southerner, Gwanda Chakuamba. When Gwanda left MCP for URP in 2004, he lost overwhelming central region support he had in 1999. This means that, for central region, the party matters most, not where the leader comes from, so Gwengwe, Chilima and Chapola should forget about adding more central region votes to their parties.

Yes, in 2009, Bingu shook the foundation of MCP in the central region by his subsidised fertiliser to farmers. In addition, people were fatigued of John Tembo. Now that MCP has regained grounds with the rise of Chakwera, it will be the dream of a barren woman for UDF, DPP and PP to think that choosing a running mate from central region would be significant to their parties. My observation is that central and southern regions vote regionalistically except the northern region may be because there is no strong party there.

Yes, we say that Tumbukas are selfish, but if truth be told, central and southern regions were regionalistic in the previous elections. In 2004, the north voted for Chakuwamba, a southerner overwhelmingly. The northerners did the same with Bingu in 2009. It is unfortunate that, the parties which have benefited from the north before have not considered the region with a running mate except MCP because they think there are no numbers. People allege that the Chewas and Tumbukas are enemies, now how do you explain the scenario in which a Chewa has picked a Tumbuka for a running mate? Are they really enemies? I am not sure. Don’t you see MCP sailing through this election, since is the only party that has entrusted the northerners with a running mate? Well, let’s wait and see; I may be wrong.

Does Chilima have a political future with DPP?

Of all the running mates, I have reservations with Peter’s choice which many people have praised. My observations are as follows;

By choosing an outsider leaving people who have endured with the party in trying moments means that, we had no one to trust in DPP. Mutharika is telling us that the likes of Hertherwick Ntaba, Jean Kalirani, Patricia Kaliati, Goodal Gondwe and Dausi are not worthy it. Mutharika is telling us that DPP NEC needs reshuffle to get rid of all old guards because they are not trustworthy. Now, why should we give this party votes to get back into power with these people? These are the people who are fighting court cases together with Peter but he happens to discredit them, interesting.

By picking an outsider based on age, Peter is telling us that DPP youths are not worthy leadership but may be barbarism.

Others are saying that, Chilima is intelligent and successful. Does it mean that apart from Peter, no one was intelligent and successful in DPP until Chilima came in? If that’s not the case, will I be wrong if I say that Peter has picked Chilima for selfish gain?

Not long ago, Bingu, his brother chose Joyce Banda for selfish gain. He wanted to cheat people that he is gender sensitive and he used her for campaign and he had a landslide victory. Soon after, Joyce Banda became an intruder. I see Peter using the same equation here. He has chosen Chilima because he wants to use his (Chilima’s) name he has made in the country through Air-tel for campaign. Chilima is a young rich; he may have picked him to add to the DPP pocket for a hot campaign and later fail to work with him. Just ask yourself, UDF’s Atupele, MCP’s Chakwera and PP’s Joyce Banda have picked from within their parties, why has Peter picked a running mate on his way to COMESA whole, an outsider?

Peter wants someone who would appeal for central region votes, unfortunately Chilima is a weak choice on that basis because (1), he is not politically famous to an ordinary citizen and (2), MCP has regained grounds in central region. In addition, Ntcheu is more of the southern region than central region. On the basis of region, Peter has fumbled. Don’t be cheated, the talk about bringing new blood is only popular to the literates who are the minority in Malawi. The majority who are illiterate don’t even talk about that. Basing on that, Peter is not going to get more votes from the central region as compared to choosing Jean Kalirani or Chimunthu Banda who are politically appealing. You may say, “We have tried a woman and has failed us”, I will say that most men have failed us too and Kalirani is not Joyce Banda.

I heard Chilima boasting that, they will conduct the campaign which we have never witnessed because they don’t want to resign from their well-paying jobs only to be rendered jobless. He also challenged that, he has never made a wrong decision in his life. Bravo for that enthusiasm but I am afraid; this one may be your first wrong decision. Mr. Chilima, politics has finished many people than you can imagine. You may even be rendered jobless after May 20, because even with a modern campaign, it is not a guarantee that DPP will win. We have four probabilities here. If DPP loses, then, MCP, PP or UDF will take the day, so be prepared for anything. Don’t be overambitious because other parties are not sleeping also. Mr. Chilima has changed companies without people noticing, but it is hard for a fallen politician to tar marc in search of a job. Politics is like the highest point one can get in society and for an “honourable member” to shrink on the ground looking for a job becomes somehow embarrassing and even difficult for employers to offer. Politics is better off for people who have made enough money that even if it does not favour them; they go ahead with life by running their own businesses, not looking for a job. I hope you have made enough money from Air-tel.

Another pathetic thing with Chilima’s situation is that, he was picked on the way to COMESA after all party primary elections were over. Peter has not been kind here. If DPP fails presidency, Chilima is likely to be inconsequential in the party for the next five years. Did Chilima see that? If Chilima contested for a parliamentary seat and win, he would remain relevant in the party even after DPP fails presidency. Picking Chilima after primary elections is a sign that Peter only wants to use him for election victory; thereafter many decisions may not favour Chilima because he is not from within. Be ready for most stressful moments in politics Mr. Chilima. All the same, I wish you all the best.

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POLITICS AND RELIGION: The young shall see vision and the old shall dream dreams, the case of Atupele Muluzi

Maravi Post correspondent

As we all know, Malawi is counting down days to its first ever tripartite election on May 20 this year. The four top presidential hopefuls are lined up each one with his/her prophet. Some are being exposed of pocketing money to issue propaganda prophesies to blindfold people from seeing the rigging scheme in progress. Political analysts and Malawians as a whole have for a long time complained of political parties keeping their running mates a secret. They warned that it is not health for both electorates and political parties because of time factor. People need time to scrutinise the running mate and not only the presidential candidate. Parties need time to sell out their running mates on time for their own good too. Unfortunately, many parties have been adamant on these friendly advices. One wonders as to why each one was waiting for the other to announce the running mate. Could it be that the presidential candidates want to pocket something to influence their choice or they want to see from which region others will pick their running mates from before they draw their equation? Your guess is not far from mine.

Well, it takes a visionary leader to see the substance in what people of good will are saying. As the bible says, “… your old men will dream dreams; your young men will see visions.” Is this not the case of Atupele Muluzi? In every public presentation or interviews, the opening is not an easy task. All the presenters are always anxious especially the first presenter. Others may gain confidence after seeing that the first ones have triumphed, and then they relax and take a shallow breath. I am sure that it was not easy for Atupele to take the stage first before other candidates older than him. We expected that he will learn from them, but the tables have turned; now the old will follow and learn from the young Muluzi. This is being visionary and bold enough. Leadership is not about the age but vision given by God. There were many young kings in the bible including David who were successful than those who ascended to power when they were of age. Atupele Muluzi can make a good leader not because he is the son to the former president, but because, I see a young man of his own mind. Why have I written in support of the young Muluzi today? Here are my reasons;

Good leaders take risk: Atupele had to take a risk of being analysed, scrutinised and criticised before any other presidential candidate. If he made a blunder in his choice, other candidates were to learn from him and make a better choice. Now that his choice seems impressive, other candidates are likely to panic as to how they will outclass the young Muluzi.

Good leaders lead and not follow: the leader is supposed to be in front of the follows to face any danger before anyone else. If he fumbled in his choice, other candidates would have avoided the pit after seeing that the leader (Atupele) has fallen into it. A good leader leads by example. Atupele has shown leadership quality of leading other candidates to follow suit.

Good leaders are proactive not reactive; Atupele has not waited to react on other candidates’ choices but has acted on time. He has already started selling his running mate.

How is Atupele’s choice?

My analysis is that Atupele’s choice is well calculated. He has chosen the person with vast experience in agriculture as Malawi’ economy depends on it than any other industry. He has picked someone appealing to the old generation as Atupele himself is appealing to the young generation. Lilongwe’s population is more than that of the whole northern region, meaning he is guaranteed of a good number of votes though not all. The young Muluzi has put religious differences aside and picked a Christian as a running mate, you know Muluzi is a Muslim. I think what we need is a good leader and religious differences should not be a limiting factor to a good choice of a running mate. Chapola is clean in politics and not recycled as it is rumoured that other candidates want to pick recycled politicians for a running mate. We need clean politicians not cash gates. Chapola is educated and experienced in leadership and if not misled, he is likely to give a sound advice to the young Muluzi. I hope, the old Muluzi will not try to take control from the carrier when the son becomes president because his leadership did not impress many Malawians.

These are some of the qualities of Muluzi’s running mate; however, we are yet to know what we don’t know about him. In addition, Muluzi’s choice is not a guarantee to victory, for we are yet to know running mates for other candidates very soon who may be more appealing. The young Muluzi has to tread carefully for there is a saying also, “the first shall be the last,” but all the same, Kudos to Atupele Muluzi for boldness. I wish you all the best.

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POLITICS AND RELIGION: The rise and fall of Joyce Banda and the pains of politics of vengeance

Maravi Post correspondent

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” – Nelson Mandela

It was really shocking to learn about the resignation of Mia from the ministerial position and also the People’s Party where he was the vice president for the southern province. The shock was in consideration that Mia is one of the few politicians in our country who beside politics, have people at heart. Mia is the Kingpin of the lower shire and it is indisputable that the constituents love him. He may have switched parties but he is not that greedy as others. Switching parties may not only be a personal problem but also constitutional potholes. He may have changed parties to avoid frustrating development projects in his constituency influenced by shameless government interference to opposition members. Well, it has happened and no one can decide otherwise except himself.

All of us know how president Banda rose to power. She tells us that she was one time married to a violent husband and divorced and later got married to Richard Banda, a step upward. She has been a successful business woman. She held a number of ministerial positions including that of foreign affairs and gender. Through the demise of late president Bingu wa Mutharika, she ascended to power as Malawi leader. Besides being the Malawi leader, she is also the SADC chairperson. This is the rise of Joyce Banda, a rise through one’s misfortune and the constitutional shortcomings.

Like Joyce Banda’s preceding leaders, her bitterness and greed are leading to her downfall. Malawi leaders, (probably apart from Kamuzu who kept friendship with Britain after getting independence) have sold their popularity by banking grudges against their predecessors which is one reason why Malawi is trailing behind in development. As a way of showing Malawians that leadership has changed hands, Bakili Muluzi arrested Kamuzu Banda. He maltreated the old man which others believe led to Hastings’ early grave. Instead of doing things better, Bakili wasted time mistreating Kamuzu’s sympathisers. For fear of the equal measure, Bakili Muluzi fought for third and open term but unsuccessfully. Yes, treat others as you would like them treat you (Matthew 7:12). Bakili brought an outsider (Bingu wa Mutharika) to UDF leadership whom he thought was a coward hoping that he would shield his corrupt practices. Indeed those who accuse others are as guilty as those they accuse. Bakili accused Kamuzu of corruption and autocracy but soon after getting out of power, Bingu instructed for a long hand of the law to pursue him.

Bingu’s first term was a success because he wanted to prove the opposition parties wrong. Many other MPs followed Bingu when he formed DPP to add his numbers in parliament. After winning with landslides in 2009, he changed the leadership style and embarked on the journey of silencing his critiques. The fear engulfed Malawi once more. Bingu’s intentions were to manifest his powers having spiced by the numbers in parliament. The autocracy was the spirit of vengeance. Hetherwick Ntaba even boasted that since DDP was the majority, the opposition wasn’t to cry foul saying, they had their share before 2009. DDP passed a number of draconian laws to frustrate the opposition parties. They in the process lost popularity.

Oh, yes, as late professor Wangari Mathai of Kenya noted, when you want to have everything for yourself, that’s when you’ve actually lost everything. Bingu expelled Joyce Banda so that his brother could take over from him, but he died before the end of his term thereby ushering Joyce Banda and her PP into government. DPP lost everything. The pain of politics of vengeance is that political leaders waste time protecting their interests but at the end they sell out their popularity. The pain of vengeance costs the avenger more than the one targeted because if you happen not to succeed on time, you live a stressful life which may lead to early grave. When you are a national leader, citizens also suffer in the process because the tax money is used in pursuing vengeance court cases instead of development. It is unfortunate that most Malawi leaders didn’t leave bitterness behind, whereby costing the citizenry. I am not saying that we let criminals go free, but let the allegations be genuine not as a result of lip services and bitterness.

Joyce Banda case is not different either. Since she was maltreated by the Bingu government, she has wasted time on vengeance, commanding the arrest of this one and that one, firing this one and that one out of bitterness. Nelson Mandela realised that if he didn’t leave his bitterness and hatred behind, he’d still be in prison and because of his forgiveness, South Africa is far ahead of other African countries in development. If Mandela sowed a seed of vengeance, his successors would do the same and South Africa wouldn’t be successful. Vengeance costs development. Many people have warned against neglecting the implementation of section 65, but ruling parties thought it’s by their side. Now it is the ruling party losing influential members such as Chilumpha and Mia, what do you say? To make matters worse, instead of reflecting on Mia’s resignation, amayi has gone ahead of her shadow to fire Mia’s brother thereby losing more votes. Neglecting section 65 is now costing the ruling party and if PP loses election, the defectors are likely to make Banda’s life a living hell because they know her blunders better. I suggest we don’t give DPP and PP the helm of power because their bitterness against each other is fresh and they may waste more time on vengeance than development. Politicians don’t realise that development is the powerful campaign tool of all and not witch-hunting.

By rushing to offer a press statement on Mia’s resignation, Banda concedes that Mia’s departure is a big blow to her than of Chilumpha because when Chilumpha resigned, PP didn’t release a statement. This is a reflection of the stomach full of tears and a bitter heart. Well, expect more defections (influenced by greed) in February as the dead line month for submission of election nomination documents. Banda was warned not to take opportunists into her government but she wouldn’t listen; now this is her downfall. By the way, is Chris Daza around? I am sure he is regretting to have left MCP because he has no chance to win a seat through PP password which is long expired.

My fellow Malawians, let’s vote for development not vengeance. God bless Malawi!

 

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POLITICS AND RELIGION: Promotion of homosexuality, an evil attack on family and humanity

Maravi Post correspondent

“The family is the most important unit of society. This is a fact that everyone must learn. The family is not only the basic societal unit. It is also the basic sexual unit, the basic child-raising unit, the basic communication unit, and the basic all-around fun and friendship unit.” Lawrence Wilson

The family is the major social institution of socialisation. It influences society more than any other institution and along with religion it is one of the symbolic institutions. Family is basic the unit of any society whether one likes it or not. It is very unfortunate that when other countries such as Nigeria and Uganda are constraining up laws which criminalise homosexuals, the poor Malawi is busy divulging its weaknesses of not respecting its laws, culture, nature and religious values. I have ever said it before somewhere and I will say it again that promoting homosexuality is not promoting human rights but sinning rights. One basic right and responsibility God gave us is to procreate which homosexuality violates. The practice of homosexuality is evil. We shouldn’t say that because people are involved in other promiscuous behaviours, then we should tolerate homosexuality, No! This may lead to legalising all acts considered immoral in the name of human rights. Some people barefacedly say that homosexuals do not harm anyone. This is shallow analysis of issues because homosexuality affects the basic unit of society which is the family.

The most obvious way that a family expands is through the birth of new members. Perhaps more important, however, is the act of marriage between a man and a woman, in this case not artificialising the two but natural ones. I hope you understand what I mean. Through a marriage ritual, not only do two otherwise unrelated people become family, but two families become related as well. Marriage creates important social and familial bonds which, in turn, are part of the basis for society itself. God in his wisdom saw that it was not good for a man to be alone and he created him a suitable helper who happens to be a woman (Gen. 2:15-23) with different sexual organs to those of Adam who was a man for compatibility purpose of sexual satisfaction and reproduction. When you read this passage, you will notice that, Adam thanked God for creating a woman companion for him. We should not insult the wisdom of God that he made a mistake to create a man and a woman.

For many years, human procreation has depended on a union between a man and a woman and not a woman to a woman or a man to a man. Homosexuality is having sexual attraction to and satisfaction with a person of the same sex. This defeats the purpose of procreation. Imagine if our forefathers and mothers decided to be gays and lesbians, would you and I be born? The answer is capital NO! Okay, let’s leave the past alone for it is just a history and it has less effect on our future, say, if all men and women decide to be homosexuals from today, will human kind be present in 100 years to come? It will definitely be extinguished. This is why I am saying that promotion of homosexuality is an evil attack on the family because it is against God’s intended purpose of creating a man and a woman and it is an attack on humanity because if tolerated humanity will be extinguished.

It is unfortunate that people who are married to people of opposite sex such as Gift Trapence of CEDEP and Mwakasungula (now on leave) have been in forefront promoting this evil act. I am not trying to judge anyone here for the bible teaches me not to judge others but the same bible teaches me to warn my neighbours. Correcting a wrong doing is not judging as others would understand. Yes, we need to preach salvation not judging, but salvation cannot be effective in the absence of condemning what is evil in the eyes of God.

It is infelicitous that the court is geared to review the homosexual laws without consulting the custodians of the constitution who are the citizens. I am not sure if the review will be in favour of the citizenry. This issue has a great national interest at heart and it is robbery to legalise homosexuality through backdoor (without a referendum). If it is the issue of constitutional review, why not have a second look on the whole constitution than only on laws related to homosexuality. Are we saying that legalising homosexuality in the Malawi’s pressing issue in the constitution? Has the constitution not failed us in many other ways? Reason out here please. Even a male dog recognises and follows a female dog for sexual satisfaction, what about human beings? Should a dog be better than us? Oh, give us a break; we have more pressing issues in Malawi than this nonsense. People are dying in hospitals because of lack of drugs, no maize in ADMARCs, low salaries with high prices and the judiciary wants to waste money by sitting down in the name of reviewing homosexual laws? What a pity. If it is the issue of money, note that Malawi will not develop through aid that comes by legalising homosexuality but by citizens’ hard work and commitment to the nation.

Madam Banda repealed homosexual laws to please the so called donors, tell me, is Malawi any better now than before? Evil deeds will always attract the wrath of God not blessings. I wish and hope that the judges will preserve our sovereignty and integrity by denying legalising evil in our society. We need to enjoy our families, not this nonsense. The bible in Romans 1:18-32 shows that, homosexuality was a sign of sin domination which should not be celebrated or promoted in any way. Lev. 20:13 says that “whoever lies with a man as with a woman (also a woman as with a man), they have both done an abomination.” Whatever is abominable before God is sinful and needs to be obviated. In Leviticus 20:10-16, homosexuality is also listed as one of a series of sexual offences alongside adultery, incest, and bestiality that are punishable by death. This tells us that homosexuality is a very serious sin before God. I understand that some of you may be uncomfortable with my citing of bible verses, but I am also sure that, there is no religion which supports homosexuality; even atheists know that it is only through the union of a man and a woman which expands the family unit.

If at all, homosexuality is a pressing issue in Malawi, why not conducting referendum to prove that, as it was with the dawn of multiparty in 1993? Malawi, be warned, the wrath of God!