Mutharika under fire over Boards

Opposition political parties in Malawi currently boycotting the current 40th Session of the National Assembly have accused President Bingu Mutharika of "buying off" religious and traditional leaders in a move they describe as "his desperate attempt " to use them for drumming up his support in the runner up to the May 19, 2009 General Elections.

Two days ago, Mutharika announced appointments of chairpersons and members of statutory corporations. About 33 members of the clergy from the Christian and Muslim communities and 11 traditional leaders mainly from the eastern region, the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) stronghold have been stashed in the Boards.

Malawi Congress Party's (MCP) Parliamentary Spokesperson, Ismail Chafukira observed that the current composition of the new appointees leaves a lot to be desired.

"This is clear indication of a person who is desperate to remain in power. By giving the chiefs and the clergy some favours, Bingu thinks, he can win the support of the people at the grassroots level," said Chafukira.

Chafukira, who described the appointments as a "national shame", said it was quite unfortunate that government resources will be used for what he calls political survival.

"With the current composition of chairpersons and their members, how do you expect these boards to deliver with efficiency? Most of these people have nothing to offer. What are all these people going to be doing there. These people have their own roles to play. Therefore, appointing them to run the public companies is exerting too much pressure on them," he noted.

However, government spokesperson, Patricia Kaliati defended the appointments and described them as normal.

"The appointees are sons and daughters of Malawi. If they can't be appointed to various positions in their country, where do you want them to serve," wondered Kaliati and accused the opposition of "blowing things out of proportion to gain public sympathy.

UDF leader in parliament Dr George Nga Ntafu said the new appointments is a clear reflection of a leadership that has lost its direction, "but only fighting to save its battered face."

Ntafu also questioned the criteria used in identifying the appointments, which he said was merely geared at appeasing them for his own good.

The President also appointed 11 Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) officials and loyalists, a move, which has also attracted heavy criticisms.

Several appointments have also been given to senior University of Malawi officials and principals of the constituent colleges but have critically left out mere lecturers where only two from Chancellor College and one from Polytechnic have been made.

The appointments have completely sidelined senior officials from Mzuzu University and their lecturers, a second public higher learning institution in the Northern tip of Malawi which is said to be the fortress of DPP.

Among the DPP, officials appointed to boards are Green Mwamondwe, who is in the Malawi College of Accountancy Board, while southern regional governor Isaac Nyakamera and Alefa Wenzulo who is responsible for DPP women in the south are in the Southern region water board.

Bessie Chirambo who is women affairs director in the north is at Airport Development Limited with another renowned Kasungu DPP politician Mary Clara Makungwa.

Other DPP cadres in boards are Wyson Mkochi, Catherine Gotani Mkandawire, Sam Kandodo Banda, Joseph Tembo, Naison Mjojo and Etta Banda.

Mutharika has appointed his supporter Inkosi ya Makosi Mbelwa IV as new Malawi Television board chair while senior Chief Kaomba is chairing Central region water board which also has Traditional Authority Mazengera.

Seventh day Adventist leader Sustain Mfune who was at MACRA before its dissolution two years ago and was charged with contempt of court for working in face of an injunction has been shifted to Malawi National Examinations Board.

Former Lilongwe Chief Executive Professor Donton Mkandawire has been appointed chair of Escom.