President’s very disappointing –civil society

LILONGWE (Malawi Democrat) Malawi President Bingu wa Mutharika’s June 24 national address on fuel and forex shortages and the zero-deficit budget was very disappointing as it failed to give hope to Malawians, civil society groups have said.

“What he said didn’t solve a thing and never offered any hope,” Malawi Congress of Trade Union (MCTU) secretary general Mr Robert Mkwezalamba said in a media statement.

“By the time he was speaking, millions of Malawians were queuing for the same item he was talking about. They heard his voice while at a filling station. Obviously, it didn’t make sense to them. We needed assurances and apologetic remarks.”

MCTU said Malawians were actually looking for was an apology for the appalling situation the country but were disappointed that Wa Mutharika in his speech “failed to even express one sentiment of apology.”

“We would have loved if he should have been leader enough to say: ‘Malawians, I am sorry for the difficulties you are going through.’ May be it would have been the only different thing we ever heard from him,” said the MCTU leader.

On the zero-deficit budget, Mkwezalamba said according to people’s sentiments, it is clear that no one is saying no to the zero-deficit budget but the people are against the rushed way the plan has been brought and the method of funding such as the heavy taxes. Mkwezalamba argued that as such, President Wa Mutharika was expected to meet the people half way on the tax matters.

“In other words, he only proved whatever people have said on the budget. He is not going anywhere, but will implement the zero-deficit budget and it shall be fully funded by the poor working and productive Malawians.

“Malawians want solutions to their problems not long and repeated speeches; hence, the address neither answered the questions nor solved the problems but only aggravated peoples’ frustrations as the problems continue.”

Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) chairman Mr Undule Mwakasungula said the President’s address was “disappointing and unconvincing” as it lacked substance.

“The address did not bring any hope to Malawians as he once again did not take the blame on the crisis. He pushed the blame on fuel to suppliers and on chronic forex shortage to IMF,” Mwakasungula is quoted saying in The Nation.

MWAKASUNGULA: Wa Mutharika unconvincing

Said Mwakasungula: “Malawians want him to address the economic and political challenges. He should show he is committed to good governance, promotion and protection of human rights. That is the only way Malawians will have hope in him; otherwise, Malawians currently have little hope in his handling of national issues.”

In his address, Wa Mutharika said he does not understand why Malawians are doubting his leadership now after he has brought development to the country.

He blamed private companies for the fuel and forex shortages, IMF for the forex problems, the opposition for not providing alternative solutions to the crises and he also backed his zero-deficit budget.