Take charge, Atupele tells JB
United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi on Tuesday challenged Malawi President Joyce Banda’s government to take the responsibility of reviving the ailing economy and stop blaming the former administration.
Atupele, who was contributing to the President State-Opening-Address of the 44th Session of Parliament, blamed most of the current shortfalls in various sectors such as health, agriculture and the price stabilisation fund (PSF), on poor governance arrangements and not necessarily lack of resources.
Atupele, who resigned as Economic Planning and Development minister in Banda’s Cabinet, said Malawians expect “business un-usual” and want to see government focusing all its energies on tangible results and verifiable deliverables, especially in public goods and services.
He said while government recognises the importance of key governance institutions such as the Law Commission, Malawi Human Rights Commission, the Electoral Commission and the Anti-Corruption Bureau, good governance means getting things done, be answerable to the citizens, identifying and meeting the needs of the citizens.
Atupele also said although there have been notable and positive outcomes through the reforms in the Economic Recovery Plan (ERP), it will be important to see clear indications and articulations of the priorities within the 2012/2013 budget.
