DPP urges Malawi leader to stop ‘insulting’ teachers, police officers

President of Malawi Joyce Banda has been advised to be extra watchful when making comments about civil servants.

Malawi’s opposition Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) gave the advice following the President’s unfair treatment of police officers at a political podium.

The President, a few days ago, also poked fun at teachers’ meager monthly salaries during a political rally she addressed in her home district of Zomba.

In its New Year’s message, the former ruling party expressed concern with the President’s attitude and asked her to be more cautious when making remarks on issues relating the civil service.

Chiyembekeza: Joyce Banda should stop insulting civil servants

“Of late we have heard the president insulting teachers and police officers on the political podium.

“When she was doing the ground breaking of the national stadium in Lilongwe, the president shouted at police officers present for creating a security wall to protect the high table. The president chased away the officers to let their space be occupied by PP [Peoples Party] supporters,” said DPP in its message released on December 30 signed by acting secretary-general Dr Allan Chiyembekeza..

It added: “And  to add  salt to an injury we are reliably informed that up to now, police officers who offered their services at he PP indaba have not received their  allowances as their bosses told them they were on normal duty.”

On teachers’ insult, the DPP singled out the Zomba incident where, during her political rally, President Banda told the gathering that she would distribute livestock to PP women for them to earn more than a teacher.

“This is ridiculous. The million dollar question however is: When did the president discover that teachers are poorly paid and what is she doing to improve their status? Was the status of the teacher the only comparable aspect which the president found fitting?” wondered the party which ruled Malawi between February 2005 and April 2012 when its founding leader Bingu wa Mutharika died.

DPP said it acknowledged the important role police and teachers play in the country’s overall development as such it “politely asks the president to be extra careful in commenting on issues pertaining to the civil service.”

As a party, the DPP said it shall continue striving to practice civilized politics by being a constructive opposition bearing in mind that every Malawian has a role to play in social and political development regardless of political, tribal and religious affiliations.

Commenting on its forthcoming national convention slated for 17th to 19th April 2013, the party said it was geared to hold it and promised “a transparent activity which shall mark the official start of our journey to reclaim victory in the 2014 elections.”

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