Atupele talks tough on looting

Malawi’s opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) says the President and Cabinet should take responsibility for the looting that has taken place in the government departments and guarantee funding of investigation and prosecution institutions to clean up the system.
UDF president Atupele Muluzi made the remarks on opening the party’s two-day National Policy Conference in the capital, Lilongwe meant to seek input from economic, social and political experts to formulate a development agenda which could become the party’s 2014 elections manifesto.
“Those in power must recognise that it is in both their and ordinary Malawians’ interests not to abuse State resources and that they will be punished for doing so. Malawians must see exactly where every kwacha is going,” Muluzi said.
He faulted government for failing to create wealth for all Malawians and managing the economy.
Investigations The Nation has conducted have found that between April and September this year, billions have been lost through dubious payments by government personnel to private companies which had no contracts with government.
Muluzi said only quality leadership with a blend of wise and young people could deliver a reform agenda to Malawi as it turns 50 years next year.
The two-day conference, being held under the theme Delivery Change in Malawi brought together senior politicians in UDF such as Jan Jaap Sonke, members of civil society, academia and social commentators.