For decades, Malawians have demonstrated indifference or little interest to question people in power.
This indifference, also called timidity, has had enormous damaging effects on the nation.
The downside over the years has been manifested in brazen corruption, nepotism and cronyism, arrogance and lying.
But nothing sprouts of nothing.The trait of timidity could be attributed to slave trade that was aided by some local chiefs from the mid-1800s to 1891, colonial rule by the British from 1891 to 1964 and founding President Kamuzu Banda’s dictatorship from 1964 to 1993.
It is common knowledge that the three eras instilled absolute fear of people in positions of authority and subjugation.
No one dared to question those with authority.
Of course, John Chilembwe’s historic uprising in 1915 marked a breakaway from voiceless submission to colonialists.
Even Kamuzu did his part in 1958 when they challenged the colonial rulers. Similarly, Chakufwa Chihana and Bakili Muluzi successfully challenged Kamuzu’s one-party rule in the early 1990s.
About two years ago, we saw the Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) leading mass protests that eventually led to the nullification of Arthur Peter Mutharika’s re-election that was undermined by irregularities.
Recently, we have seen comedian-cum-politician Bon Kalindo leading nationwide demonstrations against the Tonse Alliance administration’s failure to fulfil its campaign promises.
Have we become an assertive citizenry capable of standing up to inept leadership?
Generally, we seem to be on the right path.
Many Malawians now understand the need to hold our leaders to account.
The citizens feel we deserve honesty, truthfulness, and accountability from those in leadership, especially elected politicians.
However, the way we condemn unwanted behaviour by our leaders has largely been subjective or selective.
Often, it appears that political party affiliations determine whether we condemn or condone (and justify) unpleasant behaviour by politicians.
This is made worse by a monster called greed.
Many Malawiasns have become so greedy that they have made it a habit to put personal benefits above the noble duty to question despicable behaviour and correct malpractices that hurt our nation.
For instance, was the acquisition of public office appointments in the Lazarus Chakwera administration the ultimate goal of some of the HRDC leaders who rallied the nation in an uprising against electoral injustices?
With raging shortcomings in the current political leadership, where is that active HRDC that Malawians relied on three years ago?
Furthermore, were there any solid reasons or motivation behind Bon Kalindo’s decision to suspend the February 11 demonstrations when they had just gained momentum?
Consequently, one wonders: is the modern-day “freedom fighter” pushing for personal or collective political gains?
These are brave individuals, but their intentions need to be questioned like those of the politicians they oppose.
Arguably, even the likes of Chilembwe, Kamuzu, Chihana and Muluzi were not entirely selfless in their pursuit of positive change.
If only those who lead us in demanding honesty, truthfulness and accountability from politicians could put aside their personal and greedy motives, we would surely build a better Malawi for ourselves and generations to come.
Additionally, no one ought to take advantage of the goodwill from the masses or zeal to demonstrate. Use this goodwill for noble causes, not personal agendas.
From recent activism, it is evident that Malawians are no longer timid. We can now speak the truth to power and demand answers from our leaders through mass demonstrations.
However, those leading mass protests should be the first to practise the selflessness they demand from politicians.
