Cashgate ‘big fish’ to be netted, APM tells Malawians in New York

President Peter Mutharika has told Malawians living in the United States of America (USA) that his government has expanded the hunt for cash-gate suspects in Malawi by shifting personnel around and increasing resources to accountability institutions and law enforcement agencies.

During a meeting with them which was held  at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York on Saturday evening, Mutharika told the Malawians that the pursuance of the ends of justice in the scam, which led to the squander of public money, will take the arms of the law to every culprit regardless of any consideration.

“It is a commitment I have made to Malawians back home. It is the same commitment that I am making now to you. Nobody, of whatever size, social standing, public position will be spared if evidence points to his or her direction,” he assured.

The Malawi leader said while he has undertaken to pursue a non-vengeance policy, he will remain true to his oath to defend the constitution and the rule of law.

“Therefore the need not to be vengeful will not be allowed to stand in the way of letting the law to take its course,” he said.

Mutharika told the gathering that his administration will never allow theft and misuse of public resources.

“Cashgate is more than evil. How could people sit down and connive to siphon public money for their own purposes? I cannot understand it. It is unheard of,” he added.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Chaponda, challenged all Malawians in the diaspora to take his and Mutharika’s example to return to Malawi and contribute to its social-economic development.

“We were also in the diaspora as well, but we returned home. Today we are leaders. Do the same and take your rightful positions back home. Some of you just love to criticize, but I would like to urge you to come home and criticize from the point of correct information and experience,” said Chaponda.

Speaking earlier, Kalole Juwayeyi, vice president of the grouping of Malawians in the Tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut said many of his country men were ready to assist in the development of the country as long as political will existed to use public resources for the purposes they are meant.