I will devolve power, uphold rights -Mutharika
President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday rang the bells of a new beginning making a commitment to devolve presidential powers and uphold the spirit and detail of the rule of law.
“The DPP-led Government will reduce concentration of power in the presidency, especially as it relates to the appointment and removal of heads of Governance Institutions and Parastatals,” said President Mutharika who until today has largely retained the Government
machinery left behind by his predecessor President Joyce Banda.
In his State of the Nation Address, Professor Mutharika, looking composed, spotting a new haircut and full of confidence stated that he will establish a statutory body on long term national decision making to avoid changes in national priorities when power shifts.
“My administration has noted, with great concern that national priorities in this country keep changing to suit the political party in power. This has proved to be detrimental to our country’s development. To ensure that development projects continue, regardless of the political party in power, my administration will establish a Council with statutory powers to guide long-term national decision-making,” said the President.
He said the DPP-led Government is fully committed to the promotion and protection of human rights.
“Respect for human rights contributes to the creation of an enabling environment for people to realize their full potential in social, cultural, economic and political development. History has taught us that a nation with people who enjoy their full liberties will tremendously develop,” he said.
Mutharika, whose address was titled “Transforming Our Country into a Prosperous Nation with a Shared Vision” said his administration will encourage local participation in decision-making by mobilising and empowering the masses for socio-economic development in their
respective areas.
He said: “We will also adopt a human rights based approach by, among other things, promoting equal opportunities and choices and recognizing each person’s inherent dignity and worth without discrimination.”
Mutharika said his government an environment that is conducive to hard work,
creating more sustainable jobs, redistributing incomes and increasing the supply of quality goods and services for the domestic and international markets.
“We will establish a transparent, accountable and responsible Government in which decision-making and power-sharing are exercised through the will of the people.”
The President also made a commitment to reform the public service, “We will make sure that the Civil Service is non-partisan and serves the Government of the day. We will further ensure that civil servants strictly adhere to the chain of command in financial management. We will also ensure that no civil servant is victimised because of change of Government.”
He said his administration recognises that adherence to the rule of law is necessary for the achievement of sustainable and inclusive economic growth and development of Malawi such that he would promote the supremacy and respect for the Constitution of the Republic of
Malawi and will further promote justice and a legal system that is accessible, affordable and people-centred.
