Interesting! Undule Mwakasungula criticises Timothy Mtambo for criticizing Govt without providing solutions
Social and political commentator Undule Mwakasungula has advised former Cabinet Minister and leader of the so-called Citizen for Transformation (CFT) Timothy Pagonachi Mtambo to be part of solution in turning Malawi better place to live.
Mtambo has criticized the current leadership of President Dr Lazarus Chakwera and government, on socio-economic and political challenges affecting the country. However, these remarks by Mtambo have drawn interests from many Malawians looking at his previous link with the same government he is now attacking.
“While criticism of the government is a welcome aspect of a healthy democracy, it should ideally be constructive. Mtambo and the CFT should strive to be part of the solution by proposing workable alternatives and engaging in collaborative efforts to address the nation’s challenges. Encouraging militant attitudes among the youth or other political groupings could be counterproductive, especially when the need for socio-economic development and peace is paramount as the nation, focus towards 2025 elections,” he says.
Mwakasungula says it is no secret to recognize that Timothy Mtambo was previously a part of the current government as such it appears somewhat contradictory for him to critique the same administration he once supported, especially since he is no longer part of it.
According to the activist this change of heart raises questions about his motivation of his criticisms.
The activist says the issues highlighted by Mtambo in his press briefing are not entirely new since many Malawians have long been vocal about these challenges, suggesting that his statement might lack the insights that could help bring solutions.
He said it is necessary for public debate to move beyond repeating known problems and focus on actionable solutions.
Mwakasungula opined that there is a perception among many Malawians that Mtambo’s acceptance of a ministerial position was driven more by personal interests than by a commitment to serve the nation.
“Such views could detract from his credibility as a disinterested critic of the government. These public views might be compounded by his silence on many issues during his tenure as a minister, which some might see as a lack of principled stand against the problems he now sees and looking so much concerned,” he said.
In his briefing, Mtambo also criticized the alleged nepotism within the current regime, claiming that only those connected to the President are benefitting.
Undule said these assertions must be scrutinized critically since it is necessary to ask why these observations were not made or acted upon during his time in government.
He said such timing could be perceived as a sign of unprincipled behaviour, which undermines the integrity required of/for public officials, both in and out of office.
He said it would be wiser for Timothy Mtambo and the CFT to recognize the initiatives and efforts that the government is undertaking to address the socio-economic challenges facing the country.
Mwakasungula says , while it is important for opposition figures like Mtambo to hold the government accountable, it is equally important to recognize and build on the positive steps that are being taken.
Doing so not only ensures a fair assessment of the government’s performance but also strengthens the democratic process by promoting a culture of acknowledgment and engagement.
Undule said , Mtambo mentioned about CFTs movement manifesto as a means to address Malawi problems saying from a different eye the CFT manifesto does not seem to diverge from those of other political parties or movements.
“The problem in Malawi, as in many nations, often lies not in the lack of manifestos but in the structural and systemic challenges that hinder their implementation,” He said.
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