PAC URGES PRESIDENT CHAKWERA TO TAKE DECISIVE ACTION

By Michael Martin//MALAWI

Public Affairs Committee (PAC) Chairperson Monsignor Patrick Thawale expressed deep concerns about Malawi’s current state of affairs, criticizing President Lazarus Chakwera’s leadership style for being inconsistent and slow to act on crucial matters, including economic management.

Thawale highlighted several key areas that require immediate attention, including the recent 44% devaluation of the Malawi Kwacha will have far-reaching consequences for Malawians.

Thawale recommended reducing unnecessary expenses, such as international trips and domestic borrowing for consumption.

Thawale suggested dissolving the current cabinet and appointing a leaner team of 15 ministers with the necessary expertise to drive the country forward.

He expressed concern about the erosion of public trust in the fight against corruption, citing the manner in which the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Director General, Martha Chizuma, was arrested and interdicted.

Thawale advocated for an end to the AIP, suggesting that the resources saved could be redirected to other productive sectors.

Thawale’s remarks were made in the spirit of constructive criticism, aiming to prompt Chakwera to take decisive action to address the country’s challenges.

As Thawale noted, “Malawians are crying out there. The poor are starving. The country is lacking a message of hope on the current economic terrain”.

This is not the first time PAC has called for reforms. In December 2024, religious leaders in Malawi gave President Chakwera three months to reshuffle his cabinet, citing concerns about the cabinet’s effectiveness and the need for a more competent team.