Analysts speak on reforms ahead of launch

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and social commentators have taken a wait-and-see approach on the possible success of the Public Service Reforms ahead of the launch on February 11 2015.

Political and administration analyst Mustaffa Hussein applauded the process of the reform fact-finding mission, saying it took a good approach in engaging people from various sectors.

While expressing optimism that the implementation would be effective in relation to the fact-finding process, Hussein cautioned against doing otherwise, observing that Malawi has previously developed good policies whose implementation has been erratic.

Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) national coordinator Chris Chisoni was reserved in his remarks, saying he was yet to see what the commission would table.

However, he also expressed hope that the reforms would bring a positive impact to the current civil service shortfalls.

Opposition People’s Party (PP)  spokesperson Ken Msonda said the idea of civil service reforms was a good one, but he questioned the process, saying there should have been collaborated efforts between the current reforms commission and the old commissions.

In June last year, President Peter Mutharika appointed the Public Sector Reforms Commission (PSRC) chaired by Vice-President Saulos Chilima.

Through the commission, Mutharika’s Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) demonstrated a commitment to live up to chapter seven of its manifesto which mentions the need for the public service to act with efficiency and effectiveness in the implementation of national policies.

Among the recommended reforms are the trimming of presidential appointment powers, reduction of Cabinet numbers, merging of some government departments as well as the establishment of the Malawi School of Government where public servants would upgrade their professionalism.