VP Chilima says corruption in Malawi govt has reached ‘embarrassing levels’: Reject thieving leaders
Vice-President Saulos Chilima has boldly spoken out about rampant corruption in the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led administration, saying time has come for the citizenry to denounce the continued abuse of public resources by some crooked officials.
Speaking on Saturday in Ntchisi district where he presided over Celebration of Patron of Saint: Our Lady of Fatima for Mpherere Catholic Parish, the Vice President revealed that there’s wide spread corruption, abuse of tax payer’s money and theft in the DPP regime.
Chilima in his bold statement said corruption has reached what he called “embarrassing levels”.
He accused perpetrators of such wicked acts of endangering the lives of many people in Malawi.
In his speech delivered in Chichewa, Chilima said Malawians should stop calling hands for incompetent and crooked leaders but rather condemn thieves that are stealing government money and putting lives of many Malawians at risk.
He said it is this theft that has led to drug shortages in hospitals.
“Tiyeni tidzudzule mchitidwe wakuba. Tiyeni sitiye kuombela mmanja anthu akuba. Anthu akuboma mubomamu akuyika miyoyi ya anthu ena pa chiopsezo. Zafika poipa kwambiri ndipo pochititsa manyazi. Mankhwala muzipataa kubedwa. Kuba konzunza a Malawi, [Let us condemn corruption. Let as stop handclapping thieves. Corruption is worsening and is reached an embarrasing elevels. It is an evil practice which puts lives of people at risk as it leads to drug shortage in hospitals, among other things.].”
Chilima said the stench of corruption is immoral .
“ Izi ndizija mumapezeka kuti bandi yagawana zija chifukwa zanyanya[ immorality can lead to couples split]” he said, as commentators interpreted his statement that the 45-year-old intends to leave the DPP.
Archbishop Tarsizio Ziyaye of the Lilongwe Archdiocese, under which Mpherere Parish falls, appealed to Christians to pray hard and fear God in all their undertakings.
His Grace Ziyaye said the “ devil is using people to commit various types of sins nowadays” including killing of persons with Albinism.
This is not the first time for Chilima to drive home this message,
Last year at St. Patrick’s Catholic Parish in Area 18B in Lilongwe where he served a New Year braai to some of the 13 000 Catholic faithful who had congregated at the parish, Chilima said ordinary Malawians will not improve their lives unless they stop being mere praise singers to mediocre leadership, and resolve to seriously hold leaders accountable for service delivery in transformative development..
“When the ordinary people press for accountability, leaders in various political parties and in all positions in our communities will stop behaving like shareholders. The truth is that it is the ordinary people who are shareholders because they gave us these various positions. We need to be accountable to the ordinary people by delivering substantive results,” he stated.
The Veep stressed that the country will not progress if people tolerate mediocrity among any of their leaders.
Malawi is among countries that are plagued by untrustworthy and badly functioning public institutions. Even where anti-corruption laws are on the books, in practice they’re often skirted or ignored. People frequently face situations of bribery and extortion, rely on basic services that have been undermined by the misappropriation of funds, and confront official indifference when seeking redress from authorities that are on the take.
RSM Risk Assurance Services, a British audit and advisory firm (formerly Baker Tilly) established that apart from the K24 billion, there was a bigger Cashgate spanning 2009 and December 2014 amounting to K236 billion. While there has been remarkable progress on prosecuting cases involving the plunder of K24 billion from the public purse, investigations into the K236 billion Cashgate to establish culprits have been swept under the carpet.
After shielding culprits of the K236 billion Cashgate, and losing the plot to arraign looters of the Local Development Fund (LDF), the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and the District Development Fund (DDF), the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is now thieving from cash-strapped parastatals in broad day light. All the while the world and potential investors are watching.
Chilima is currently at the centre of an ongoing leadership debate in the governing party.
Some members are demanding President Peter Mutharika, 79, to pave way for the youthful Chilima as the DPP’s presidential candidate in next year’s elections.
Mutharika has openly declared he would represent DPP in 2019 and that has also been echoed by party gurus such as vice president for the South George Chaponda.
He argues that change of guards will give away the presidency to main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP).
On his part, Chilima has kept his cards to his chest, saying not a word on the suggested take-over, leaving it all to his supporters to fight for the cause they seem to be passionately eager to defend to the hilt.
The Chilima ‘movement for change’ says if Mutharika does not willfully pave way for their preferred candidate then the position of DPP presidential candidate for the 2019 elections should be contested for at the party’s convention. They say it’s only with Chilima at the helm that DPP stands a chance to win in the 2019 presidential race.
Mutharika has countered that by saying he would contest to secure victory for the party in the 2019 polls.
DPP was founded by the President;’s late brother, Bingu, in 2005 to provide a political footstool for Bingu’s administration after he had ditched United Democratic Front (UDF), the party that sponsored his presidential candidacy in 2004 after former president Bakili Muluzi handpicked him as his successor.
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Let me remind you all who blame and call Chilima a baby. Incase you don’t know how the government is run , Chilima being a vise president has no power in what so ever to point out or fire any cabinet minister involved in corruption. He can only speak as he’s doing. It’s the duty of president himself to do that. Stop defending madala, where on earth did you hear a vice president doing what you want Chilima to do. Let me give you an example of Zuma Ramaphosa in South Africa, Ramaphosa could just speak but he had no power in what so everever to point out corrupt ministers. Let us all admit that Peter has failed you malawians. A very good example is that one of chaponda case, if your president was serious in fighting corruption the chaponda case could have been delt responsibly. The way Muthaliika is handling those cases it’s a sign even himself is seriously involved in corruption.
Things fall apart by Chinua Achebe
What is stopping him to acting? More or less he ought to have power to condemn the corruption at hand. Yes I recognize that it is in our hands to wake up and see what is happening around us. But aren’t we the same people who he has identified as suffering? Do I need to go to the extent of reminding the country that we voted for what represented this guy. This guy that only speaks when the mayhem of the country has already be witnessed. This guy that waits to speak only when its “embarrassing levels”. Why wait for the opportunity of the most vulnerable times for Malawians to speak of the evils of others? Why not make this opportunity to show and strengthen the hearts of Malawians by demolishing the corruption of people. Now more than ever time act and not just. Make a move VP.
Politicians in opposition should not cheat us that given a chance to govern this country they would put a stop to corruption and theft.Why? Because the current political dispensation -ie multiparty system- robs any party in power of the absolute powers to deal with corruption.
During the MCP dictatorship rule, the regime had absolute powers to arrest/detain anyone without trial without the judiciary or any other arm of government challenging the Party’s decision.As a result people were afraid to steal or engage in corrupt practices.This kept corruption in check.
If Malawians want a corrupt free society then they should re-introduce the dictatorship dispensation that was there before 1994.
Walira mvula walira matope.
Just because some one did not speak up yesterday does not mean they shouldn’t speak up at all. There is a time for everything so the bible says. My people, we need as many people as can wake up and speak against this plague of silence. Let us focus on the needful and avoid unnecessary confusion. The truth is we all need to shout against corruption in any small way we can afford at all levels. Remember what goes round comes round, you may be having fun as a beneficiary of this evil be ware that life can turn upside down causing your extended family to die from the very lack of medicines in hospitals.
Our vice president is a joke and I have three reasons for my claim. First, Chilima is in government where corruption is rampant. he is better placed to warn, punish and shame the corrupt government leaders. What is the point of telling poor people in rural Malawi to act? Second, he uses the church platform too much to make his political speeches. He plays a victim as if he is not a party to corruption. He is really a child and that’s Goodal was talking about. Trust me Goodal is sensible enough to know many other countries which have been ruled by young presidents in their 30s. For this man Chilima, he is a child indeed. Third, he too much speaks in riddles, proverbs and conundrums to make his point. He is such a coward like he is not second in command. He cannot call blue by its colour, but instead, he points to the cloudless skies to simply define blue. After all, why should Malawians separate him from the corrupt UDF Government? You are in Government Sir and you are second in command.
Love him or hate him he needs to be praised for initiating this discussion and bringing this to the attention of the whole world. Some of the comments I have read are just as embarrassing as the thievery in our government. The fact that public funds embezzelment has been going on with no proper checks and balances does not mean that it is right! It must stop and it must stop now! Well done SKC!
This lad called Chilima is indeed brainless. Why is he hiding behind tha Catholic pulpit always? And he has been VP all these years, why did he not curb corruption?
Baby Chilima, you can do better. You shall need DPP in many ways hereafter.
Oooh God please Remove the scales of blindness from the eyes of my fellow MALAWIANS so that we can see that BUSHIRI IS the only Answer to the hardships the Country is facing otherwise We will regret /Suffer like never before in human history
PLEASE PAC CSOS CHIEFS CHURCH LEADERS INVITE BUSHIRI TO COME AND HELP GOVERN THE COUNTRY AS WAS THE CASE WITH KAMUZU
THESE FIELD MARSHALS WILL NOT TAKE US ANYWHERE
Chilima has been part of corruption all these years and now he is speaking out against it because he wants our votes next year. Where were you when the maize gate happened? You didn’t even speak out against the K4b. Iwenso ndiwe mbava just like everyone in the DPP. You’re walking around like a Pharisee pretending to be holy but you’re not. And please stop using the Church as your speaking outlet.
Honourable Chilima, if only you had condemned corruption years back when you first experienced it live. The fact that youre only condemning it now after 4 years says a lot of your own ethics and morality. Isnt it that you were worried about being kicked out (and preserve the priviledges of a VP position). That can also be deemed to be “stealing” of some sort. As I said before, I urge you to leave the party and denounce any association with the party’s clandestine activities……in fact youll do the nation much favour by exposing the true nature of corruption in the party even if it means dying for standing for the truth for the good humankind in general and Malawians in particular. If you’re not willing to leave the party then we will consider you as bluffing and condemning the party (whilst still inside) as being selfish
Nice to hear corruption condemnation from Mphwiyo’s best friend. If you are serious that barking must be followed by resignation.
Kikkkkkk very short comment from you hahahahahahahaha zavutadi zinthu eti?
VP should not criticise the his own government if there is corruption he is also involved if he’s failing now to report and arrest culprit or control and end corruption then VP will fail to make Malawi corrupt free if elected into power next year
Should not cheat that he has means of ending corruption he would have done now when he is in government
If elected he will be at state house and will not know what will be happening in departments headed by those fighting for him now
VP should not cheat that the president is corrupt or send someone to steal and later backs him
He appointed you to be responsible for this and you are failing
Here is the list that heads the Chilima for President group: Kaliati, Masangwi, Kalindo, just to mention a few!!!! how are you going to teach these people to operate with integrity ? one of them has already complained that because they helped DPP they need to be given contracts! If you intend to take over I hope you have new group of people who will work with you! Because every single name that stands for you Sir is corrupt to me!!!
Chilima is a failed politician . He does not think . He is part of the system he is accusing today in church . I listened to his speech. It was too empty. I wonder what can of a leader will he be. He doesn’t inspire me .He doesn’t inspire the majority. He would resign from the post and leave the thieves run the country. Better he formed his own party. The guy is primitive , wamantha and lack leadership qualities. No wonder he is playing hide and seek.Akagwere uko!!!!!!
I start with thanking the VP for speaking while Ure there it carries weight . 2 For ditchingout DPP and start your own party which will be run by angels from heaven. but if it will be run by humanbeings
forget what U think. why are U willing to contest as a DPP presdetial candidet ? to my sugesion I think Ure a power hungry which will lead Ure GVT more corrupt than this GVT . Do U think people like winiko masangwi can be free from corruption . only stupit Malawian can take U as a good leader .From the way U have shown to make paralelo line in DPP ( zandiopsya munthu kulanda utsogoleri nthawi yake isanathe a VP mukanaziyamba 2021 ndikanakusopotani koma ndimadana ndimunthu waphuma ngati mmene mwachitira mu Koma ndithu utsogoleri wanu mulungu atalola kuti mulamulire dzikoli uzakhala wachinyengo kuposa ena onse VP wabwino amene ndamuona ine ndi HON Malewezi basi
Umadana ndiwaphuma and so who cares.Mbuzi yachabechabe iwe.Kavuwevuwe
Stupidity is knowing the truth,seeing the truth but chose to believing in a lie.
Apparently this guy doesn’t seem to need you or your support.
Please Gawanani zida mwachangu chifukwew ife tikufuna democracy.
Shaaaaaaa! Zina ukumva Kamba Anna mwala. Is it the problem of translation from the reporter or does not understand chichewa. I heard all the Vice President said. He never mentioned DPP party in his entire speech. He asked the members to help fight corruption and bribes. He mentioned that people are stealing drugs from hospital. My understanding is those who work in hospital are not DPP members only, and neither are the one who steals medication. Medication start missing from central government stores . The Vice President even mentioned of the church that it is not spared in corruption and stealing. Mr Gwende, I beg to differ totally with your wrong translation of my mother language. As a reporter be above politics, add value to your professional by reporting with excellence and quality. It is not too late to change. Management of Nyasa please ,staff development is required for your reporters, so we can start reading quality news rather than this trash.
Why is this comment from Napoleone getting thumbs down? Napoleone is right. I also heard the entire speech.
Mungowakhululukira wolembawa chfukwdi inexorably sindinabvepo DPP
Mabomba ayamba kuphulika. Simumati ayankhule ndizimenezotu. Mastayilo oyankhulira kenaka pamapeto phwaaa, eyahh.
You are the vice president and you are equally to blame…. Stupid you are just seeking sympathy… You are equally responsible at VP.
Y
Bodzatu ili. Wapakeriyara sayimba belo.
If you have listened to APM he has always said corruption in Malawi is just perception. You can go and listen to what he said in magomero on 15 January Chilembwe day, on the other had Chilima has always spoken against corruption.
It’s too late to condemn while is in the some part for all most 5 years now nde mwaona kuti sakutengani pauvaisi muyembe kunena kuti m,boma muli mbava mmmmm kunamiza anthu inuso nde kuti ndi mbavaso sitingakunkhulupilireni. Zaonekelatu kuti mungofuna kuzikomesela. Mukanachoka Ku DPP chaka choyambilila chomwechija munatengela boma Kwa amayi tikanakukhulupilirani. Koma APA zikuonesa kuti inuso munthu oyipisisa kwambiri osayamika, joka, mzanu kukutengani kukuyikani pabwino VP lero ndikumamuwukilaso abwana osanama mwachita chikondi chankhwali.simunankhulupilike ndinu munthu opanda madaliso. Koma aaah Yambani chanu nanga mukakamila chipani chanuwake choti anango kuyitanilani bwana pepani kwakuvutani kuganiza. Chokani chokani
The fact that someone is a member of DPP does not mean that he is corrupt or not. There are people who are corrupt in the government and some are not. individuals have to answer for their sins, not the system. But even if you want to blame Chilima, he is not in charge of that system he is just the VP with limited constitutional power
Kuba kwayambika lero?Zaka zonsezi munali chete Poti zomwe munagwirizana kuti muzapatsana boma lokubali sizitheka mwadzidzimuka.Paja Amalawi sachedwa kuyiwala.Kwa azungu ngati sukugwirizana ndi zomwe boma likuchita umapanga Resign.Kapena mutogwirizana nazo zosamasisa mafuta amageneratozi,tanka yonse kunka nao mafuta.Zachisoni pamalawi.
Iyeyu wadziwa liti?
BWANA CHILIMA is the second MAN of this country. He should tell his juniors to stop STEALING.
Finally the Right Honourable Vice-President speaks up.
But tread carefully Mr. Chilima.. when in ‘opposition’.. criticising is easy.
If you manage to succeed then the spotlight is on you.
Are there any skeletons in the Right Honourable’s closet?
How well did he manage at his time as CEO of Airtel. Corruption also happens in the private sector..
Just to be clear, I support a newer generation of leaders in Malawi.
But don’t expect Mr. Chilima to be fault-less, or a ‘saviour’. We are all imperfect humans after all.
Whether there will be a new party or not formed by Dr SK Chilima it won’t feature new faces but a crew of recycled political dunderheads. They will abandon a sinking nation they will choose to walk away from the DPP. The DPP has enriched them. These fatcats have been the corruption lords whose opportunistic itch drives them into the new political ship to inaugurated very shortly on to the high seas of corruption SKC might think he’ll tame the appetite of these fat cats no they will defang him. They’ll skill him in all sorts of filthy tricks about self aggrandisement. The rains are on the horizon it is still baffles us how your recruit L Ngalande the head of violence worms into your ranks he can fool no one as Anita Kalinde will never forget his dirty hands on her he is a brat bent on physical liquidation of his rivals
Good statement by the VP. My worry , though, is his continuous use of Catholic Church gatherings as appropriate forum to hit at his own government. Am sure his colleagues may have started wondering as to whether his political ambition is catholic church driven or he is using the church as his launch pad.
Iwe, usatibowe wanva? iwe ukutanipo pankani yakatangaleyo.? ndale basi sakuti iwe ndi amene unathandiza DPP kuti iabele amayi ma vote.
Did he actually mention DPP in his speech or its your interpretation of the words people in gvt. Did he mean DPP or everyone working in gvt institutions? Are those pole stilling drugs in hospitals only DPP members? R this corrupt officers DPP members only? Are all people working in gvt offices only DPP members? Why do you choose to twist his words in order to feet your intended goal?
Call the spade by its name. I think its high time we stamp out corruption in Malawi. We are suffering because of corruption.
KKKKKKKK THINGS FALL APART. JUST HAVING A CLOSER LOOK AS THINGS GET UNFOLDING, OH MY GOD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This means that when Malawians say they need young president, they mean it. You are speaking the truth which your party doesn’t think of Citizens, indeed part ways comes in that way. Behind you.
Bravo SKC (Biblical Joseph) for denouncing the stinking corruption that has claimed lives of poor Malawians.
Malawians are behind you and its time you started a new Party that has no thieves. Perhaps teaming with Hon. Chakwera as runningmate could be a trump card.
Tisiye kuombela mmanja DPP?
Is he talking about himself???
This is a foolish talk. Where are you? I thought you are the Vice president of the same party. You are also among the thieves.
You don’t blame branch where you climbing on. Foolish and stupid vice president. Leave now and form your own party . You are also among the thieves. Give us back our money. You have stollen you idiot
Zikuwawatu, a few months ago Chilima delivered a public lecture at Chancellor College condemning corruption. Nyasatmes reported. I did not see negative comments. Is it because the whole report was in English and this one has been translated for you in Chichewa or does it have to do with what is happening in DPP. Chilima has always spoken against corruption and clapping hands for mediocre leaders. This is not his first time only that now he is under more scrutiny from the wounded spirits of DPP supporters. Mukumva kuwawa
Talking what pleases the ear. But Sir, give evidence if possible or you can mention names. The DPP you are condemning is the party that can give you the mandate to rule this country so mind your mouth. You want to please the opposition?
Was just being used to steal the votes and left out in the cold .munthu oipa tili mmavuto chifukwa chamunthu ameneyu kusokoneza network nthawi ya masankho mu 2014 lero ndizimenezo osamalirira kuti tikunvere chisoni.Mbava udazisakira phwando
Iwenso ndiye you are really a waste of time and energy by your parents. Backing these thieves always with baseless facts and emotions. Are you blind not to see the mess that this country is into?
IWE UYENERA KUKHALA KADET ANATHAMANGISIDWA KU PARLIAMENT YUJA. OVERZEALOUS NDIZANKUTU ZOMWE.