Chimbanga in defence of Mutharika’s appointments

A close ally of President Professor Peter Mutharika, Leonard Chimbanga has applauded the President over how he has assembled his cabinet saying the appointments demonstrate “what sound judgment looks like.”

Chimbanga’s defence comes amid criticisms from the opposition especially on the appointment of Attorney General Frank Mbeta.

Writing on his official facebook page Chimbanga said Mutharika was given a mandate to lead the nation and not to consult the opposition at each and every appointment made.

“Let’s talk about the new Attorney General, Counsel Frank Mbeta. On top of his LL.M. in Commercial Law from the University of London, additional training from Georgetown University and the International Law Institute, and 19 years of solid experience at the Malawi Bar. He runs one of the top law firms in the country and has served in senior advisory and institutional roles with distinction. In short he’s qualified. Very qualified,” wrote Chimbanga.

He added: “Some people still find a problem with that. Maybe they expected APM to appoint their cousin or their drinking buddy in the name of “national unity.” Sorry to disappoint competence is back in fashion, and APM is clearly not shopping from the gossip section.

“The President was given a mandate to lead, not to consult the opposition every time he picks someone who can actually do the job. If you hate the cabinet that much, it’s simple win the next election and fill it with whoever you please. Until then, the rest of us will celebrate a team built on merit, not noise.”

“Whether critics like it or not, Frank Mbeta is one of the finest legal brains in the country, and APM’s appointments continue to prove that leadership guided by wisdom will always rise above bitterness.”

Mutharika has assembled a 21 member Cabinet which comprises of experience and intellect economists, policy experts, and legal minds.