Chakwera hits back at critics,says merit is wrongly defined

President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has once again back his 31 Member Cabinet, saying all Ministers were appointed on merit.

Chakwera said this during the swearing in ceremony of the new Ministers at Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital Lilongwe.

In his speech, Chakwera said “It is alleged it is wrong to appoint people from the same family, same tribe and same region. Firstly, I would like to say that I would never consider where one comes from but merit.

“For so long, we have defined merit using academic credentials and Facebook populism. Rather, merit means a proven track record to lead people effectively to produce results. There is no one in this cabinet who does not pass that test and definition of merit.”

Chakwera also hinted that the current Cabinet will be desolved after 5 months.

“This is my transitional cabinet, I will restructure it in 5 months time. You will each have 5 month and then report to Malawians of your performance.

“Thereafter, you will be publicly reviewed and either maintained or fired. The onus is on you to prove the doubting Thomases wrong by delivering. Should you be arrogant, divisive and extravagant, I will not hesitate firing you,” said Chakwera.

Chakwera has since urged the newly appointed Ministers to prove to the world that they are capable.