Mutharika rejects Malawi ‘failed state’: Newspaper argues ‘if not failed State, what is?’
Malawian President Peter Mutharika has denied that his country is a failed state, saying there are all signs that the country is becoming a prosperous nation.
He rejected opposition and critics assertions that all systems are not functioning with the economic turmoil, corruption and epileptic electicity supply.
Mutharika said it is absolutely false to label Malawi a failed state, arguing that many things are on the right course.
Speaking on Thursday in Thyolo after being inaugurated chancellor of the Malawi University of Science and Technology (Must), Mutharika said a failed state cannot establish institutions of higher learning like MUST.
“Malawi is not a failed state as some opposition parties and commentators want people to believe,” said Mutharika.
“Malawi is becoming a great nation,” he said.
He called on Malawians to be more innovative saying the country needs people with a scientific mind to become a great nation of achievers.
Mutharika urged Malawians to start believing in themselves, “thinking big” and “act decisively” to make Malawi great again.
The Head of State called on Malawians to do more in advancing technology and innovation.
“Science and technology used to be part of us before colonisation,” he said.
“We used to be more creative in making resources that helped in our day to day lives. Let’s embrace the spirit of self-independence. We must be producers and exporters of technology and not consumers and importer of other people’s technology,” said Mutharika.
Meanwhile, Malawi flagship daily newspaper, Times has begged to differ with President Mutharika that Malawi is not a failed state, saying as a matter of fact “it is” as the country enjoys more than 20 hours of blackout everyday forcing some investments to close down.
In its editorial comment, the paper argues: “ What is not a failed state when some public universities remain closed and students are helpless as if there is no President in the country?”
It adds: “What is not a failed state when unemployment rate is very high. What is not a failed state when hospitals, prisons have no resources?”
The paper further argued that DPP government is giving amnesty to corrupt gangsters in the corridors of power from prosecution on corruption charges from obvious cases.
“The current state Malawi is in is that of hopelessness. It is a country that is moving like goats without a shephered. The President is not seen to rise above the norm and provide solutions to the crisis.”
It also backed claims by critics that President Mutharika is just good at paying lip service.
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