Be courageous to develop the nation—Chakwera

Leader of Opposition in Malawi Parliament Lazarus Chakwera has called on both the Executive and the Legislature to strive towards moving the country forward in terms of development.

He said this on Thursday in response to the State of the Nation Address delivered by President Peter Mutharika on Tuesday.

“Discerning what kind of help the Executive needs from the Legislature in order to give Malawians the best possible service is no easy task, nor is it possible for the Executive to receive that help without having the humility to welcome or ask for it, along with the courage to use the best ideas our country has for its own development,” said Chakwera.

He, however, said it was the parliamentarians’ duty to help the President and his administration by deterring the Executive from proposing policies that are not in the best interest of Malawians.

In his response, People’s Party (PP) spokesperson on economic affairs in Parliament, Ralph Jooma, concurred with Chakwera, but added that the President should make sure there is no tribalism and regionalism in implementation of various developmental activities.

“Government [business] tenders should be given to contractors on merit. Government should also ensure public safety by creating job opportunities so that the youth, who mostly engage in crime activities, find something to do,” said Jooma.

United Democratic Front (UDF) leader Atupele Muluzi said it was his party’s hope that social and economic institutions will be strengthened.

In his State of the Nation Address, Mutharika said the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government is determined to put in place systems and structures that will promote good governance and transform the economy.

He said government will, therefore, ensure that people’s dreams and aspirations “are always translated into implementable and effective policies”.

“We will continue from where we left at in 2012 to fight poverty, under-development and economic and social injustices that are still prevalent in our society,” said Mutharika.