Malawi paper says Chilima’s anti-corruption stance should swing into action now ‘even as whistleblower’

Malawi’s leading daily newspaper, The Nation, has used its editorial comment to  add the voice of support to what the some civil society organisations (CSOs) have  said  in backing Vice-President Saulosi Chilima  stance  on ending corruption in  Malawi as a bold move.

Vice-President Saulosi Chilima launched his United Transformation Movement at Masintha ground in Lilongwe

Chilima  said when he launched his United Transformation Movement  (UTM) at Masintha ground in Lilongwe on Saturday,  that his  movement is ready to usher in the change Malawi needs among others to genuinely fight  corruption, end nepotism and impunity – which he accused the  Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  led government of perpetuating the vices.

The CSOs have welcomed his pledge and in an editorial comment titled ‘ Well said Mr Vice-President, but go beyond rhetoric’,  The Nation said lauded Chilima for committing to enhancing the independence of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) through legal and constitutional reforms, including stripping the presidency of immunity from prosecution.

The paper agrees with the CSOs that  what Chilima said at UTM launch  is “indeed a bold statement” especially coming  from a person holding the Office of the Vice-President.

It pointed out that, it is not the first time Chilima to rap the DPP-led government of embrassing levels of graft, saying he has spoken before about corruption.

However, the paper urges Chilima to “go beyond podium rhetoric and swing into action in fighting corruption in the country even as a whistleblower.”

It said that way, the electorate will take Chilima’s tough stance on corruption seriously in the run-up to the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

“By openly condemning corruption in a government he is serving, the Vice-President has already taken a bold step. But he should do more,” says the influential daily in the editorial.

The paper pointed out that corruption has destroyed  Malawi, costing the public good service delivery in health, education, agriculture  and infrastructure  development sectors.

“Corruption and fraud have cost this country its reputation as it keeps sliding on corruption perception indices,” reads the editorial.

Chilima told crowds  at Masintha ground that “a  corrupt –free Malawi is possible”, a statement agreed by CSOs that it can be achieved with greater political will from the leadership.

SKC – as Chilima is fondly called by his supporters –  warned that he will reveal more rot in DPP as well as  “name and shame” those who are involved in corruption.

The ruling DPP has been plagued by calls from CSOs for President Peter Mutharika to resign after a leaked report by the Anti-Corruption Bureau accused Mutharika of  benefiting K145 million ( $195,000 ) from Zameer Karim of Pioneer Investment , whose firm is being investigated on a contract to supply food to the police.

“K145 million payout to DPP and the President is just a tip of the iceberg; there is more rot in government. In days to come I will expose more corrupt activities happening including in the procurement of gensets for Escom,” said Chilima, 45, who was handpicked by President Mutharika to run alongside him in 2014 presidential race on DPP ticket.

Chilima, who will contest for presidency on UTM ticket in the 2019 watershed polls,  said when voted to be Head of State, he will give a 30-day amnesty to all those involved in the plunder if public resources to return the money or face the law.

“May I call on those who have stolen government money to start paying that back. Next year, we will only give an amnesty of 30 days for all those to pay back our money,” he said.

Laying down a 12-point plan for UTM, also hinted at having presidential immunity removed.

On Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Chilima said UTM will ensure that the law is reformed to have the Director General of the institution appointed by Parliament, in a transparent and competitive manner.

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UTM
UTM
5 years ago

Umbamva Tidzapitiliza Mwanzeru

mtete
mtete
5 years ago

If SKC knows who the corrupt persons are, it’s no use telling Malawians ction will be taken after we take over government next year. What will happen if a party other than UTM wins the elections? Are we going to allow plunder of public resources to continue? If naming and shaming is to be done, then the time is now. Be a whistle blower and let the ACB know, push ” the ball in their court” and let us see how they will handle the issue. Otherwise what you have done is giving the culprits an opportunity sell or launder… Read more »

New beginnings
New beginnings
5 years ago

Whatever you do DO NOT form a coalition with PP

Opportunist
Opportunist
5 years ago

We will see how true he is to his word by who UTM forms alliance with in the coming days! It’s my prayer and hope that it’s not cashgaters!

Ufumu wa ku Domasi
Ufumu wa ku Domasi
5 years ago

Talking to cashgaters (PP) at capital hotel meeting is not fighting corruption, that is embracing corruption

Wawa, wawa
Wawa, wawa
5 years ago

What was the capital hotel meeting with the PP officials about??? ………cashgate party??

Malawi moto
Malawi moto
5 years ago

Investigate the sale of the presidential jet as well, we have never gotten a clear explanation!

Motto buu
Motto buu
5 years ago

Great! But for his message to remain valid he needs to stay on message and not take on cashgaters from any party including PP

Tsogolo Langa
Tsogolo Langa
5 years ago

Distance yourself from JB the biggest cashgater, don’t cozy up to her and her PP, you need to walk the talk to maintain the momentum you just started!

Ndatopa
Ndatopa
5 years ago

If Chilima is serious about combating corruption and theft of public funds then he shouldn’t be talking to JB and her son Roy about joining forces with PP. JB whether she did it or not will be tied to the biggest CASHGATE in the history of Malawi that saw her fall unceremoniously from grace , teaming up with her will be contrary to UTM core values !!!!

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