GOVT HIT BACK AT ITS CRITICS

The government of Malawi has blasted claims raised by the general Public that the appointment of advisers and assistants to the President are a mockery to the austerity measures President Peter Mutharika has been preaching since his election in May, saying they are erroneous and an irresponsible mockery of the truth.

This has been disclosed through a press statement issued few minutes ago signed by Minister of Information Tourism and Civic Education Mr Kondwani Nakhumwa.

“Government has taken note of public comments and press reports criticizing His Excellency the State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and suggesting that the savings that have been made through his decision to limit the size of the Cabinet to 20 members are being depleted allegedly by a BIG number of advisors that he has so far appointed.

“Government wishes to dismiss this impression as erroneous and an irresponsible mockery of the truth. The public deserves to be reminded that information pertaining to the salaries of public officials, including those of Members of the Cabinet and Presidential Advisors, is public and, therefore, is available to anyone who needs it”, reads parts of the statement.

Mutharika has appointed about 15 advisers in various capacities, including the level of principal secretary (PS) in the public service