Muslims want inclusion in public appointments

Islamic Commission for Justice and Freedom (ICJF) has asked President Peter Mutharika to include Muslims when appointing Cabinet ministers and members for parastatal boards.

In an interview yesterday, ICJF secretary general Hassan Sabiti Chimwala said Mutharika should ensure there is inclusive government to be reflected by people who are to be appointed to run public offices.

“The commission is asking the new President to consider a good number of Muslims in his yet-to-be released 20-member Cabinet, parastatal bodies and foreign missions,” said Chimwala.

He said Mutharika should also consider appointing Muslims as (ministry) principal secretaries apart from recruiting presidential adviser on Islamic affairs.

Chimwala also applauded the President on his State of the Nation Address delivered in Parliament on Tuesday, saying “it was all inclusive”.

“In view of this, we affirm our allegiance to work hand in hand with the new government. Members of Parliament [MPs] should focus on issues of national importance and put their individual political benefits aside,” he said.

According to Chimwala, ICJF is appealing to all Muslims in the country to support the new government for the betterment of the nation so that unity and development should be realised.