Leader of opposition Lazarus Chakwera has extended a rare helping hand to President Peter Mutharika by suggesting a five-step solution which the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader insists are the only way to help turn around the country’s fortunes.
Speaking during a press briefing held at his office at Parliament Building in Lilongwe, Chakwera suggested that separating the Anti-corruption Bureau (ACB) from the Executive arm of government could give power and independence for the ACB to investigate corruption by members of the Executive branch.
He said: “If Mutharika was serious about fighting corruption, he would have implemented this solution right now.”
He also suggested that government should create a special court in the Judiciary that will focus exclusively on corruption and fraud by public servants so that cases of stealing taxpayers’ funds are given priority and speedy conclusion.
Chakwera further advised Mutharika to suspend all top government officials who were at the helm of government ministries during the time money was siphoned from State coffers in what has come to be known as Cashgate until an independent investigation clears them of collusion in the corruption that resulted.
He, however, said passing the Access to Information Bill was another solution to expose all public officers with business interests that are using the State as a means to personal gain, and that those officers should be removed from office.
Chakwera, however, stated that Mutharika has failed Malawians because he is failing to live a modest lifestyle to make Malawi a secure place for investment.
According to Chakwera, the President has also failed his Vice-President Saulos Chilima because he has not maximised the youthful leader’s talents for progress.