PP defends Mutharika on boards appointments

Former ruling Peoples Party (PP) has defended President Peter Mutharika’s decision to appoint civil society and non-governmental Organisations’ leaders into boards of parastatals.

There have been growing fears that the drafting of the CSO and NGO leaders into parastatals would eventually silence the civil society from its noble duty of providing check and balances against the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government.

Mutharika has appointed Chris Chisoni of the Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) to Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) alongside anti-human trafficking activist Habiba Osman.

Consumer rights activist John Kapito has been appointed to chair Southern Region Water Board (SRWB) board, Malawi Watch executive director Billy Banda is heading Malawi Gaming Board and National Lotteries Board while Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) executive director Dalitso Kubalasa is heading to Small and Medium Enterprise Development Institute.

Another inclusion on the list is  Malawi Eectoral Support Network boss Steven Duwa as member of the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) board.

PP publicist, Ken Msonda told Nyasa Times there was nothing wrong with the appointments.

“There is nothing wrong for ruling DPP appointing CSO or NGO leaders to head Parastatal boards or as members. Those appointed are Malawians; it is their Constitutional Right to serve their country in various positions and responsibilities,” said Msonda.

Msonda added: “As to whether the appointed will not compromise their activism in discharging their duties depends on the individuals personal integrity, behaviour and character. We wish them God’s guidance.”

The once ruling party gave an example of Martha Kwataine and Faustace Chirwa who once served diligently as MACRA and MACOHA chairpersons respectively while maintaining their role as CSO leaders.