Chakwera for new Malawi
President Lazarus Chakwera has called on every citizen to participate in proclaiming new Malawi to the world.
Speaking in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the National Service of Worship as part of this year’s Independence Day commemorations, the President said Malawi must choose a path that will turn it into a shining example that other countries will admire.
Said Chakwera: “Today, I am calling on all Malawians everywhere, here at home and abroad, to join hands in declaring through words and deeds that show the world that a new Malawi is rising.
“Malawi is at crossroads, and there are decisions that need to be made. A new Malawi is rising and it is evident in flourishing infrastructural projects such as schools, roads, bridges, power plants and many more across the country.”
He said the new Malawi is seeing women in leadership positions, taking a strong stand against corruption and lawlessness despite who is involved, a unity of purpose and good governance, among other positive developments.
Said the President: “I call on all our development partners to move away from the failed policy of treating Malawi as a victim that must be kept in a toxic relationship of donor-and-beggar or servant-and-supervisor, and instead to listen to us and join us in showing the world that a new Malawi is rising.
“I call on all public servants in all our public institutions here at home and foreign missions abroad to give and sacrifice themselves fully to quality service delivery that shows the world that a new Malawi is rising.”
Chakwera said political parties in the new Malawi, are co-existing and celebrating together and that is the story Malawians should tell the world.
He stressed that Malawians should be united and focus on things that will help the country move forward but also have developments that will benefit future generations.
In an interview on Wednesday, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Kondwani Nankhumwa commended Chakwera for preaching unity and development, saying that is the path the country should take.
However, he said that should not just be podium talk, adding there is need to walk the talk.
Writing on his Facebook page, former president Peter Mutharika said it is his hope and prayer that this year’s Independence Day brings renewed hope and strength to build a worthy Malawi.
“We will make commitments to unite ourselves, have a common purpose as a nation and become a prosperous nation,” he wrote.
During the event, various religious leaders preached and prayed for unity to develop the country.
They strongly condemned corruption, nepotism, and lawlessness, while also emphasising on prayer and repentance so that God should help Malawians prosper.
This year’s Independence Day was commemorated under the theme Rise for a Resilient and Prosperous Malawi. The National Service of Worship brought together various senior government officials, political leaders, clergy and other Malawians.