Atupele blames Malawi poverty on poor leadership
Leader of the opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) Atupele Muluzi says Malawi has slid into acute poverty largely because of the failure of its leaders in adherence to good governance principals.
Speaking during a political rally at Lifidzi Primary school in central region’s lakeshore district of Salima, Muluzi, who is the party’s presidential candidate for the 2014 elections, said for the country to achieve sound growth, there is great need to put in place mechanisms that would champion functional good governance systems, which he said, include accountability, transparency and responsiveness.
“There is need for us the leaders to be accountable and transparent if the people are to continue to have confidence in us,” he said.
Atupele’s statement comes amid concerns by Malawians the recent revelation that former president the late Bingu wa Mutharika had amassed a whooping K61bn within eight years in office.
He therefore disclosed that the ‘new’ UDF party will in the next parliamentary sitting push the National Assembly to review a provision on the declaration of assets by public officers which is enabling corrupt tendencies among politicians.
“The problem with the current provision is that it is not clear on issues of penalties and enforcement and this gives room to corrupt practices among public officers,” he said.
Muluzi also said there is need to provide the Malawi Defence Force and Police officers with better incentives and equipment for a peaceful and secured country.
“Our Army and police officers a doing a tremendous job of keeping us safe and secure, however we need to give them better conditions of service, training and housing as a motivation to the work they are doing, ” he said.
He also reminded his supporters of the party’s four keys development initiatives under Agenda for Change drive; Inclusive Growth, Governance, Social Protection, and Peace and Security which he said will form the basis for discussion at the party’s policy conference slated for July 25th 2013 in Malawi’s Capital Lilongwe.
The policy conference will be the first of its kind by a political party in Malawi.
