I will hit back, Mutharika warns critics: Malawi President appeals for ‘cease fire’

President Peter Mutharika has said his silence should not be mistaken as weakness and has since warned that he will start hitting back to his critics.

“They continue saying I took the whole village to the UN despite my numerous clarifications on the matter. How can I take the whole village of 4000 people fit in a 12 seater plane,” Mutharika said.

He said his critics are deliberately doing this to provoke him so that when he responds, they say he is becoming increasingly intolerant.

Mutharika said this Saturday in Zomba Chisi where he went to campaign for a Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate.

“I have a right to respond to all lies, am exercising my right, even the Bible says when someone slaps you on one side, give him the other side to slap you but it doesn’t say what you should do when he slaps you the third time,” he said.

Mutharika alleged the opposition is ganging up to block in parliament the continuation of the cement and malata subsidy programme.

“You will remove the programme, over my dead body. I will veto it,” he said.

He said the economy is down on its knees because of the looting at Capital Hill infamously known as cashgate, the aid withdrawal that followed the looting of the money and floods that devestated some parts of the country.

“I am not blaming anybody but this is the reality. We are working round the clock to reverse the situation. I know that these economic problems have pushed up drastically the cost of life, bear with us, be patient. Very soon the country will be in its feet, give me time please,” said Mutharika.

He asked the opposition, civil society organisations and the media for a “ceasefire”, saying the war of words are misinterpreted as lack of peace in some quarters.

“Donors and investors are keenly watching us,” said the President.

He said Malawians should stop fault finding describing this as ridiculous and irresponsible.

“We need to work together to sort out problems affecting the country. This is our country, avoid pointing fingers at one person for all the problems,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that some people were pointing fingers at him for persistent and endless blackouts despite Escom and government clarification that the blackouts was as a result of low water levels in Shire river.