Chakwera accuses Mutharika of economic genocide in Malawi: ‘Poverty denier’

Main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President Dr Lazarus Chakwera on Sunday gave a furious attack on “poverty denier” President Peter Mutharika, for taking with him hundreds of hangers-on delegates to this year’s United Nations General Assembly during the time when Malawians are experiencing social,  political and economic challenges.

Speaking during a political rally held at Mtunthama in Kasungu, Chakwera who was accompanied by his party’s deputy, who is also speaker of National Assembly, Richard Msowoya, Parliamentarians, and regional committee members,  asked Mutharika to explain what value has  hanger-on people added during this period.

“Malawi is facing numerous challenges such as hunger so it is unfortunate that instead of focusing on solving these problems he is diverting money to fund the delegation,” said Chakwera advancing values of compassion, of social justice, of fighting for the under-privileged.

Chakwera said it is unfortunate that some people who have gone there have been sponsored by government institutions including the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (Mera) and the Malawi Communication Regulatory Authority (Macra).

“Is MERA not government?” queried Chakwera.

Chakwera said it is unfortunate that the public is accusing the opposition of not speaking on issues affecting Malawians.

“You are accusing us for not speaking on different issues, let me tell you that we do speak but this is not a listening government: They are defiant, to all issues coming from the opposition,” said Chakwera.

On problems affecting health sector in Malawi, such as lack of essential drugs,  Chakwera said, it is unfortunate that Malawians are dying in hospitals on preventable deaths and yet Parliament passed the budget.

“This government is committing genocide. Malawians are dying in hospitals due to shortage of drugs, this is genocide, We approved billions of money for medical drugs but go to the hospitals  they are in a sorry state,” said Chakwera.

Speaking earlier,  Speaker Msowoya said it is unfortunate that Malawians are going through difficult times.

“Kodi amene mulipano ndindani anganene kuti akukondwa pano akweze dzanja pano, palibe amene angakweze dzanja a Malawi tikuvutika ngakhale ineyo ndikuvutika nawo (Out of you who are here who can raise their hands and say you are enjoying, there is nobody here, people are undergoing difficult problems in Malawi,” said Msowoya.

Msowoya also called for electoral reforms to ensure Malawians vote genuinely for a government of their choice and not manipulation of electoral results.

“It is unfortunate that elections in Malawi are decided by courts at night this shows that there is a need for electoral reforms in Malawi,” said Msowoya in veiled reference to Mutharika ascendancy to power in 2014 controversial elections.

“We want reforms which will enable Malawians to know who has won at constituency level, and not waiting for Blantyre to decide, why Blantyre? Why waiting for results paper to cruise from Kameme to Blantyre,” he said.

Taking his turn, Member of Parliament for the area Madalitso Kazombo, accused DPP led government of crumbling health services in Malawi.

“Ambulances are grounded in Malawian hospitals  due to shortage of fuel, Dr Chakwera is the only answer to restore Kamuzu vision in Malawi,” said Kazombo, a relation to Malawi’s founding president Ngwazi Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda – ‘Alidzi’.

He said DPP is “impoverishing families” while their leaders are in comfort zone.

Prior to the rally, Chakwera and his entourage visited Kachere tree under the department of Antiquities where he was briefed about the place where former President Kamuzu Banda used to learn.

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