MUTHARIKA CALLS FOR AN END TO ‘CONFRONTATIONAL POLITICS’

President Professor Peter Mutharika has called on Malawians to unite and work together in building the country instead of castigating each other in what he terms ‘confrontational politics.’

Speaking on Sunday when he addressed thousands of people at Thyolo Community Ground, Mutharika stressed the need for all Malawians including those from opposition and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to work together.

“Let us all work together for the future of the country. I am asking you all to join me in building the country whether you are from the opposition or CSOs. Let us stop confrontational politics because it won’t take us anywhere,” urged Mutharika.

Mutharika also called on Malawians to change mindsets in their day to day undertakings by among other things developing a hardworking and trustworthy spirit.
“Let us develop a hardworking spirit. Don’t wait for someone to come and help you with money or financial support because if you do that you will not develop,” said Mutharika adding that government had put in place programmes such as the Social Cash Transfer to uplift the welfare of the citizenry.

“Let us be people of integrity and those who can be trusted. Let us avoid corrupt practices because these acts will not take us anywhere economically,” he added.

President Mutharika also pinpointed strides his government has made like the opening of community colleges and the launching of Decent and Affordable Subsidy Programme (DAHSP) in addition to continuing with the Farm Input Subsidy Programme (FISP).

“I will continue with the FISP to ensure that Malawians have enough food. As for this year, I am assuring you that no one will die of hunger as my government has already bought 30,000 metric tonnes of maize,” said Mutharika.

The Malawi leader then described his administration as a listening and inclusive government, wondering why his critics were always against him.

“These critics have never commended me for whatever I have done since I took over the mantle from my predecessor. Instead they just oppose my action,” he said adding that his government has done a number of commendable achievements such as promoting women and youths into decision making positions and also promoting other people from the central, north and eastern regions.

In his remarks, Democratic Progressive Party-DPP Vice president for the south, Dr George Chaponda urged Malawians to respect and appreciate what president Mutharika has done since assuming power last year.

“Let us from now onwards start appreciating what our president is doing. We cannot sit and watch other countries appreciating his leadership skills and also awarding him with honours,” said Chaponda.