Chakwera says cancer hindering transformation of Malawi is DPP: ’It has failed, promises broken’
Leader of opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera on Monday dismissed President Peter Mutharika for not telling the truth in his State of the Nation Address (Sona) that his government has delivered in the last four years , saying the reality is that it has “miserably failed” to deliver on its socio-economic promises to Malawians.
In another biting response to the Sona the President delivered in Parliament on Friday, Chakwera, who is also Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President, described failure by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration to translate policy documents into meaningful developments as nothing but a cancer that is hindering economic transformation.
Said Chakwera: “ Mr Speaker Sir, let me put it plainly and bluntly: the cancer hindering the transformation of our nation is the Democratic Progressive Party. Everything else is but a symptom of this dysfunction-promoting-
“As such, only a fool would believe that the good old pillars in this government can turn a disease into a cure for their own failed leadership, and only a fool would believe that the young soulless agitators in this government can turn a disease into a cure for our failing economy.”
He said Malawians are not interested in politicians who want to keep in government a party that maintains the status quo, observing that the DPP in its entirety is that status quo.
“To put it clinically, Mr. Speaker, Sir, the syndrome called DPP has three primary symptoms. The first is Failing to tell Malawians the truth. The DPP is a party of untruths. In its manifesto, it promised prosperity for all, but is only delivering prosperity to a select few; promising justice for all, but creating a state where Chasowa and Njaunju’s murders remain unsolved; promising security for all, but failing to even provide security for its own Parliamentarians and its own President during the State of the Nation Address,” said Chakwera.
He catalogued the failures of DPP administration, saying the party promised to “make the country the food basket of the region”, only to reverse its own policy by banning the export of our farmers’ crops. “ So I ask you, Honorable Members, is Malawi the region’s food basket today? It is not true.”
Chakwera continued: “The DPP promised to introduce health insurance for all public servants. I ask you, are all public servants enjoying this benefit today? It is not true.
“The DPP promised to end drug shortages in our hospitals. I ask you, are all our hospitals adequately resourced today? It is not true”.
Chakwera said the DPP promised “to eliminate illiteracy by 2019”, saying it has failed .
The DPP promised that “the teaching profession will be upgraded” and that teachers would be paid on time.
“I ask you, are our teachers feeling this upgrade today? It is not true. “
Chakwera continued: “The DPP promised to “provide Total Security to both persons and businesses”. I ask you, has this total security been felt by those with albinism or those falsely accused of being bloodsuckers, the elderly or the DPP’s own MPs who have been harassed here at Parliament and allegedly had their cars burned? It is not true.
The DPP promised to “reduce congestion” of traffic on our roads. I ask you, do drivers enjoy roads that have no congestions today? It is not true.
The DPP promised to reform the civil service by cutting off unnecessary positions. I ask you, is the civil service any smaller today? It is not true.
The DPP promised to remove from the Presidency the power to appoint or remove the Governor of the Reserve Bank, the Director of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, the Auditor General, the Director of Public Prosecution, the Clerk of Parliament, the Malawi Law Commissioner, the Director General of the Malawi Broadcasting Corporation, the Director General of MACRA. I ask you, have you seen the President relinquish these powers? It is not true.
The DPP promised to “cooperate and collaborate with the civil society, non-governmental organizations and the media”, yet it sends its young cadets on to the streets to threaten CSOs who want to protest peacefully, creates a heavily armed police barricade to block Malawians from marching peacefully, and in his State of the Nation Address before this House, President Mutharika himself accused the CSOs who marched peacefully of plotting violence and seeking to destabilize the country. I ask you, does that sound like co-operation? It is not true.
The DPP promised to double Malawi’s exports in five years. I ask you, have you seen Malawi’s exports doubling? It is not true. In fact, between 2013 and the end of 2017, Malawi’s exports have shrunk by four hundred million dollars!
The DPP promised to construct a state of the art Judicial Complex right next to this very House. I ask you, have you seen this beautiful building? It is not true.
The DPP promised to only borrow for production and never for consumption, and yet it borrows millions to build stadiums to entertain young people and nothing to build factories to employ them. I ask you, is this production? It is not true.
The DPP promised Malawian women that they would enjoy equal numbers to men at all leadership levels of the public and civil service. I ask you, has this been done? It is not true.
The DPP promised to put an end to the deforestation of Chikangawa forest. I ask you, does that forest look like anyone is protecting it? It is not true.
The DPP promised to open the Nsanje Inland Port, yet today it lies in ruins with nothing to show for the 20 million dollars the DPP flushed down the drain. I ask you, is this port now operational? It is not true.
The DPP promised to complete, not start, but to complete the construction of universities in Karonga, Mzimba, Nkhotakota, Mangochi, and Nsanje. I ask you, are our young people expected to graduate from a foundation stone?
The DPP promised the end of blackouts by the end of 2017. I ask you, are Malawians out of the dark ages? It is not true.
Chakwera said DPP promises that were nothing but promises, saying it is a party of unfulfilled promises.
“Not telling Malawians the truth is how it got into power and not telling the truth to Malawians is how it has governed Malawians. The DPP will even use things that are real to create a false impression, to peddle something fake. It builds real community colleges, but when you look at their quality up close, it is clear that the DPP is peddling fake education, but our young people deserve better. The DPP lays real foundation stones and leaves them behind in order to fake development, when we all know they are monuments of failure. The DPP repaints real post-offices in order to fake reform. The DPP will give massive handouts in by-elections and lose because Malawians cannot be fooled by fake generosity.
“Mr. Speaker Sir, the DPP takes a real company called Malawi Mangoes, claims to have wooed it to expand its operations to Salima, when the company has already had operations there for seven years, all in an effort to fake investments. So wherever you see the DPP talking, you will find all kinds of untruths there. Even when what it says starts with the truth, the end thereof is untruths. The DPP and fake promises cannot be separated, and Malawi is drowning in its untruths, so if we want a government that tells Malawians the truth, we must accept that the DPP is incapable of delivering such a government.”
He also accused DPP of stealingfrom Malawians.
“ In fact, we now have an MP of the DPP (Bon Kalindo) on record declaring publicly that stealing under the DPP is worse now than it was during Cashgate, as evidenced by people close to the president amassing untold wealth overnight and as soon as the DPP got into Government, not to say anything of DPP Ministers that suddenly appear in their constituencies with a thousand new bicycles and cars bought with funds from sources that go by the name ‘somewhere’, sources that the DPP insists on keeping in the dark. And as if that wasn’t enough, there has recently emerged a leaked phone call between top DPP officials salivating over the opportunity to steal from the key Ministry of Agriculture.
“Is this not reminiscent of the time not long ago when two separate Commissions of Inquiry implicated the then Minister of Agriculture in corrupt practices in the procurement of maize from Zambia, and yet the DPP retained him as its Vice-President? His head did not roll in the DPP then, and no heads are rolling in the DPP now, because stealing from Malawians is not a consequential crime in the DPP. Stealing from Malawians is a pastime. It is business as usual.
“At every turn, the DPP creates easy loopholes that facilitate wanton stealing from Malawians. If the DPP sells a bank belonging to Malawians, it is a chance for someone to steal from Malawians. If a DPP official or sympathiser sues the State, the compensation they will seek through the courts is multiple times more than the loss they suffered, because it is a chance for someone to steal from Malawians. If the DPP procures generators, it will turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the outcry of Malawians against the move, because it is a chance for someone to steal from Malawians.”
Chakwera said the DPP has no shortage of wide open gates for siphoning money from Malawians mentiong the Calendar Printing Gate, ADMARC K45 billion Gate, TEVETA Gate, Mulli Brothers K3 Billion Gate, MACRA Gate, Maize Gate, Office Furniture Gate, Generator Gate, Medical Stores Procurement Gate, Salima Feasibility Study Gate, Mombera University Gate, Phalombe District Hospital Gate, Nsanje Inland Port Gate, 4 Billion Kwacha Disbursement Gate, Tractor Gate, National Aids Commission Fund Gate, and 236 Billion Kwacha Gate.
“Surely this cannot go on. Surely this has to end. Surely we see that these egregious acts of stealing from Malawians are depriving Malawians of roads, medicines, school supplies, school hostels, college scholarships, clean neighborhoods, teachers, nurses, doctors, and many more.”
Chakwera watered down the success of infrastructure development which Muthariksaid the administration has constructed roads across the country and its efforts continue to be undermined by the severe effects of the Cashgate scandal of 2013.
“It is not enough for the president to come here and brag that his government is working on 12 roads, because if the money lost by the DPP through theft is enough to create 50 roads, then it is foolish to clap and chant “Boma”. Now, to be sure, we don’t want a Boma that has anything to do with stealing, but we must accept that it would be easier to remove the DPP from government than it would be to remove theft from the DPP.”
On his part, People’s Party (PP) leader in the House, Ralph Mhone, used his response slot to the Sona saying Mutharika’s achievements should be contrasted with the promises he made during the campaign through the 2014 DPP manifesto.
He echoed Chakwera ‘s sentiments, describing DPP as a failed entity with broken promises and full of lies as there is nothing much to show development-wise.
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Chakwera akutayitsani nthawi, akadzawina mukandifunse. Mwa iye mulibe choonadi.
Ndipo adalira chokweza mawu ake nati, NDITETEZENI ASIPIKALA, MA CADETS ANGA AYAMBA NKHONDO MUNO..!!!_
ZOOPSYA ZEDI PA FLAMES. MALAWI UKUPITA KUTI?????
KWANTHAWI YOYAMBA MU MBIRI YA FUKO, PRESIDENT ALIRA CHOKWEZA KWAKUKULU MU PARLIAMENT NATI, ” NDITETEZENI ASIPIKALA… ” MACADETS ANDIOPSYA INEEE!!! kkkkkk
But seriously, MALAWI UKUPITA KUTI??????
How about FAKE ACCENT GATE??????????? Waste of time, 1 thing for sure your tears in 2019 will be real!!!!!!
I got you very well the Right Honourable Leader of Opposition. Thank you so much for you good response. I found some areas though wanting like:
On security, you lamented for lack of security to parliamentarians. That was true but you should have included other institutions right Honourable. Your own institution is an example where the youth leaguers confiscated an equipment from MBC crew and also where Jessie Kabwira and others were roughed up when they came for a meeting.
People amassing wealth without disclosing the source other than the source being somewhere. Your wondering Leader of Opposition(LOO) is justified and a concern to many. However this should not be limited to politicians in government only, even those in opposition and non politicians alike. One would have expected those non politicians that are constructing multimillion kwacha houses should be called upon to explain the source of that wealth. Check how much they had before assuming their new roles. We applause you except for excluding people not in government.
Your concern about inconclusive deaths investigation is valid but you left out some suspicious death which we plead with you LOO to be included as well. These are the deaths of Chafukira, Kamanya and others you may wish to include.
I know you were in a hurry and you forgot the issue to do with illegal water connection. Please LOO condemn that as well as the act affect better service delivery to the citizenry.
I liked your warning that “it’s only a fool who can believe the YOUNG SOULLESS…………” Right Honourable did you mean the YOUNG SOULLESS or you meant THE YOUNG SAULOS? Please don’t defame the hope of the soulless. Watch out guys as you dismantle your house, they have already started decampaigning you. Guide jealously what you have otherwise these people will skin you alive, judging from their pronouncements.
It is my sincere hope that the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament, your boss in parliament and your junior outside parliament, will not use these comments to rule your speech out of order.
Otukwana inu tukwanani, sitinanyoze wina aliyense apa.
Chakwera, what a political comedian.
The performance appraisal ably delivered by the opposition is probably the biggest and best gift ever given to DPP, especially in light of the forthcoming tripartite Elections, a year away. If I were DPP leader, I would humbly take the same Chakwera-delivered scorecard and use it to DPP’s advantage. I would ruthlessly deliver on the very projects listed in the scorecard, one by one, starting with the low hanging fruits. That basically would be the campaign material. I dare dream though. DPP is arrogant and doesn’t listen to its people, therefore I suspect they will come back with the very same old line against those who have spoken against DPP’s lack of delivery on their very own manifesto and promises. They have always castigated those who dare challenge the party’s/government performance record. They will do so on top of their voices and from the top of man-made mountains. Give them a microphone or a megaphone and all you’ll hear is “ya mako ya mako”. Kutukwana has been the order of DPP’s day! Wakutsina khutu ndi nansi. Do the right thing at least for once, DPP!
Alpha, Palinso za sorry apa. We all need DPP to go. This cancer has starved many. very sad
I like Mr Chakwera’s observations which are observations made by nearly each and every sane Malawians. However, there is more to it. Mr Chakwera can not offer any solution right now. He is not supposed to do so as many may think that as opposition has to offer solutions. Chakwera will remain silent because he may be envisaging himself as next leader and he may fear that his ideas may be stolen.
One drove through the Lakeshore road to Mzuzu. There is a beautiful road being constructed between Nkhata-Bay and Mzuzu. The government is so proud of this road. To be honest, the road is indeed good. It is being constructed by Straabag Company from Germany. To see the thickness of the road, one may admire that if all roads from Nsanje to Kronga were this good, then we were on good footing as a country. The Nkhata-Bay will be good because it is the Germans themselves doing the work. They control their finances in fear of the corrupt government. The government does not deserve any credit for the work done by the Germans. Mr Jappie Mhango is always giving credit to government over this road as if he is the one doing the good job. Self praise no recommendation. The Germans themselves are very quite.
Chakwera go to HELL!! You are just a fake pig! And the only cancerous thing around is your bloody FAKE ACCENT!!!!!!! Don’t you feel stupid when talking MAN???? Don’t you???????? I bet your mouth must hurt daily. Kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk
There is always time for everything, this error must be corrected if we wanna make Malawi a better place to live in.
Well koma ndiyetu!
ACHAKWELA MUKUNGOKHALA NGATI MWAWINA KALE KOMA DIKILANI 2019 KUTI MUMUDZIWE MMALAWI, NANUSO A NYASA TIMES MWAYIGWILADI NTCHITO YOMUPANGILA CHAKWELA KAMPENI KOMA DZIWANI KUTI TIKUTHIBULILANI LIMODZI NDI CHAKWELA WANUYO MU 2019. INUYO A NYASA TIMES,ACHAKWELA NDI MCP YANUYO 2019 MULILA MWAZI WA AGADAMA.
When we call a person wise /intelligent its not only by papers /on papers – IN the medulla oblong atari! NO !! NO !! NO !!
MALAWI NEEDS A LEADERSHIP THAT CONVERT HIS /HER BRAINS TO BECOME SOLUTIONS TO MALAWIANS IN NORTH -IN THE CENTRE -IN THE SOUTH WITHOUT STORIES !! STORIES !!
LIKE YOU ARE PROPOSING A GIRL IN THOSE OLD DAYS !!
WAKE-UP YOUTHS YOUR TOMORROW IS NOW !!
Very sad indeed for Dr Lazarus Chakwera to leave the ministry to be fighting opposition politics. As a clergy, he was a unifier, pacifier, and leader of both those in government and outside of government. Panopa akumenya nkhondo ndinyama ndi magazi instead of fighting the real enemy, the devil. Men and women of God should stay clear from partisan politics. God has called all men and women of God to be guides to politicians but now men and women of God are aspiring to be political guides. The church is neither DPP nor MCP, but it is the conscience of the entire nation. When men and women of God rise above party politics, they become the voice of God. Let’s borrow a leaf from men such as Rev. Kawalala or Rev Kambalazaza, they are speaking above partisan politics and promoting social justice, a return to morality and a corrupt-free leadership.
Your argument is both fallacious disingenuous. God has not disqualified men and women who serve him from holding or aspiring for leadership of a country. God is interested in how his people are governed. GOD wants rulers who exercise justice, are not corrupt, do not condone evil etc.
Are you sure???????
Same as the sermon delivered by head of five synods at Gymkana Club, Zomba. It was unifying and one could see real men of God preaching not what other synods, PAC and unfortunately some misguided priests seem to propagate. Chakwera should be the first to preach unity and know that no man can ascend to a position unless God says YES. We had good and bad kings in the Bible but all were there for a purpose. The sort of anger, hatred and lack of respect for authority in Chakwera is worrisome. I wonder wheter he is aware that you reap what you sow. Definitely, this man one day he will reap in abundance what he is sowing. He needed to be waiting upon the Lord, that is, if it is God’s design that one day he would be president of Malawi, a thing which seems to him is his ultimate goal irregardless of the means through which he is going to reach that end.
As much as I do not agree with Chakwera in most cases, your understanding of the bible is VERY limited and you are positioned to mislead many. The bible does not prevent believers from participating in politics. Look at Abraham, Joseph, king David, Moses and King Josia.
Christians individually may be involved in politics but the church as a body should abstain. That’s why the Revs you mentioned are not speaking like Chakwera.
Alpha, you don’t know what you are talking about. Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh. It’s only a God fearing leader who can lead the nation to fear God. Unfortunately you ignorantly think that politics is for the crooks. We are crying today because of such kind of foolish thinking. You want to vote for crooks and then you expect them to do justice. Where will they get justice from?
Alpha, I doubt if you read your bible and understand it. Very sad to people who think like you! It’s better to be ruled by God fearing people than nkhandwe /mimbulu. People rejoice when the righteous are in authority (this is what my bible says on Proverbs 29). The nation is suffering because we ignore God’s word and we relate politics as evil and rise against clergies who want to bring sanity in our politics. The examples you’ve given us aren’t all that coaxing. I thought you would be mentioning these old kings whom we have known all their life style from A-Z than these that we don’t even know their ending. Peaple like David who was once a shepherd and later became a leader (politician) by the anointing of God himself, Solomon who was also an anointed King. The list is endless………. why don’t we emulate from these kings?
You belong to darkness……………………. and you’re very far from the “Truth”! Moses was chosen a leader and acted even harshly to those who were mishandling the Israelites…… Baibulo yake ndiyo iti imene mukuwelenga inuyo ndipo Mulungu wake uti amene mukupembedza inuyo……………!! Chakwera is continuing serving people of God ndipo inu amene mumaona kuyendetsa boma as not its becoz you so possessed with stealing and that is why mumaona ngati nayenso akufuna kulowa m’mboma kudzaba m’mene mukuchitila inu ndi ambuya anu………………………………….!! Dzimbava komanso dzilombo inu kunena kwa “Callista ndi Kalindo”
Chakwera,please hit hard.
ANTHU OSADZIWA MAU AMULUNGU AMAONA NGATI KUTI MUNTHU KUCHITA NDALE NDI USATANA KAWERENGENINSO BAIBULO LANU. KUYAMBIRA CHIPANGANO CHAKALE AMENE AMAKHALA OLAMULIRA AMAKHALA MUNTHU WAMULUNGU. SITINGASIYIRE ANA ANJOKA KUTI AZILAMULIRA DZIKO WAKE UP MALAWIANS . ROMANS 13:1-10. PALI NTHAWI YOPEMPHERA NDIYE PALI MBALI YPTENGA ACTION PAZINTHU ZIMENE WAZIPEMPHELERAZO AMENEWO NDIYE MAU AMULUNGU.