‘LETS GIVE GOVERNMENT BENEFIT OF DOUBT’
In this interview Fatsani Gunya engages political analyst Simbarashe Mungoshi on a number of issues regarding the new Democratic People’s Party (DPP) government.
Q: How do you rate the State of the Nation address president Peter Mutharika recently gave in Parliament as compared to those we have heard before?
A: I did not see it as particularly divergent in comparison to what we have heard before from his predecessors standing on the same platform.
Q: Leaders across the world seem to be good at lip service, delivering inspiring speeches, yet still fail when it comes to implementation along the way. How do you see Mutharika, then?
A: What you are saying is true, but as the saying goes, “the taste of the pudding is in the eating”; let us wait and see what comes to the fore when the music begins. The President has just to be cautious on how he plays his cards, knowing the world is watching.
Q: What do you think ought to be done to ensure he does not join the others in starting on a promising note, only to abandon their promises as time wanes?
A: Looking back at our past leadership, hangers-on who hedge themselves around our leaders play a critical role in the emergence of the said vices. Thus, there is need to watch this lot. Otherwise, any leadership, including the current one, can deliver on its pledges if it gets the support of the people.
Q: How do you assess Goodal Gondwe’s appointment as Minister of Finance and Economic Planning?
A: On paper it looks rosy, but it’s dangerous to read too much into this. That is considering that this side of the world, it is notoriously common for a minister to bear no real authority on decision making.
Q: If you look at the Cabinet, does the team look promising and capable of delivering the President’s ambitious dream to turn Malawi’s fortunes around?
A: It surely does look promising, but remember Bingu’s regime started on a similar note, only for things to spiral out of control when people laid down their guard or vigilance. The administration should just guard against such complacency which tended to make Bingu’s regime unpopular with the people.
Q: We assume there are many party gurus in the ruling DPP who may feel frustrated at being omitted in the Cabinet. Do you see the move backfiring to the party later?
A: Looking back at past trends, that is a speculative but very strong possibility. Others may actually feel they fought hard for the party even when it was ousted from power some two years ago. They will obviously feel they deserved better by being rewarded with Cabinet posts. And now that the recent announcement on Cabinet appointments is the final one, those left out will surely feel bitter. Let’s see how the ruling party deals with such people when they start whining.
Q: The Cabinet, now said to be full, has three women in Dr Jean Kalirani, Patricia Kaliati and Grace Chiumia. Is the President living to his promises on gender equality as enshrined in his party’s manifesto?
A: Considering that the cabinet comprises of 20, which leaves a possibility for more such appointments to follow in the coming days. After all, Cabinet posts are not the only barometer to weigh how the President or indeed government responds to the gender cry. Let’s give the leadership some benefit of doubt as they may appoint more women in other equally important areas as well.
Q: Some have said the President is building on Bingu’s strong points and reversing the weak areas. What’s your take?
A: He alluded to something similar during his inaugural speech, but politics being what it is; it’s only through the passage of time that this view will be proven.
