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Bingu told to walk the talk

Main opposition parties and a political commentator in Malawi have asked the President to walk the talk and desist from rosy speeches if the country is to fight forex and fuel shortages.

The United Democratic Front (UDF), the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and the Institute for Policy Interaction (IPI) were reacting to President Bingu wa Mutharika’s Christmas address monitored on  Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) on Sunday.

In a rather calm and collected tone, Mutharika called for forgiveness, reconciliation and unity among all Malawians.

His sermon-like speech emphasised unity and working together to bring lasting solutions to the forex and fuel shortages that have rocked the country’s economy for close to three years now.

Said Mutharika: “A lot of significant achievements have been made in 2011, but I also realise that we were faced with the serious problems of forex and fuel.

Your government is spending sleepless nights in trying to find solutions to these problems. Very soon, we shall provide an outline of how government intends to permanently solve them.

“Let us all work together in finding solutions regardless of our political, religious and tribal affiliations. We are all Malawians from one parent, Malawi. We should leave our selfish interests aside and work together towards developing Malawi and its interests without discrimination.”

The President said Jesus was born to forgive Christians and teach them love; hence, everyone should learn to forgive without holding grudges.

Mutharika also said it would be senseless for citizens to despise the country at the expense of trying to please donors, saying it is time Malawi, as an independent nation, stopped dancing to donors’ tune.

Making constant reference to God and prayer, Mutharika attributed “the works of the devil” to the turmoil and economic chaos in the country.

Said Mutharika: “Satana anatikhalira pamsana; anabweretsa njiru, kudana, mabodza ndi kaduka. [Satan oppressed us and brought envy, hatred, gossip and jealousy among us]. But God told him it is not his time and God has triumphed because 2012 promises even more blessings and peace for Malawi. God has not forsaken us.”

He said Malawians should pray to God not to bypass Malawi as He blesses other nations. He called on Malawians to have faith that God loves them and that the rains will eventually come nationwide for a bumper yield. He acknowledged that most parts of the country are experiencing delayed rainfall and under threat of drought.

IPI executive director Rafiq Hajat said he applauded and agreed with Mutharika’s sentiments, but hoped the President would walk the talk.

UDF director of research Humphrey Mvula shared Hajat’s comments, but argued Mutharika rarely acts on his speeches as he always proclaims songs of war.

Said Mvula: “He [Mutharika] is or has a very good speech-writer. He is not an actor who acts on what he says. Mutharika must drive reconciliation with his advisers, Cabinet and party members.

“Individuals must accept the injuries caused to others. He has caused a lot of injuries to stakeholders. Government commentators have not calmed the situation, but raised temperatures with their comments. They must disengage from denial and admit the system caused the problems. As UDF, we are ready to find solutions with other stakeholders.”

MCP spokesperson Nancy Tembo said there is nothing new in the President’s speech which, she said, contained similar sentiments he has expressed at every Christmas and at the beginning of 2011.

Said Tembo: “He admitted to 2011 having been a bad year, but did not take responsibility. He said 2012 would be a good year, but that is what everybody hopes for. Changes don’t just come on their own. There has to be effort. We hope this time he means what he says and works towards it by taking the initiative and elevating the hardships Malawians have gone through.”

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