Mzuzu Civil Society Network has asked President Lazarus Chakwera to trim the size of his Cabinet to have a lean team in tandem with the country’s economic realities or face peaceful public demonstrations.
The network’s chairperson Edward Kantuseya and secretary general Isaac Cheke Ziba said in a statement that ministers should also be appointed on merit and not based on political loyalty.
They have also urged the President to reinforce implementation of austerity measures.
The duo said the CSOs were concerned with the decision to expand the Cabinet amid economic challenges facing the nation, saying the move is against the austerity measures previously announced.
Reads the statement in part: “The creation of additional ministries, such as the splitting of Ministry of Education appears to be driven by an appeasement agenda.”
The network said the prevailing economic crisis more pronounced through scarcity of foreign exchange and fuel, high fertiliser prices and the general rise in the cost of living calls for leadership that is responsive, accountable and driven by the urgent need for economic recovery.
Last week, Public Affairs Committee (PAC) expressed disappointment with the bloated Cabinet five months after the quasi-religious grouping met the President and reminded him of the need to keep his promise on a lean Cabinet.
Back in 2014, wearing the hat of Leader of Opposition in Parliament, President said a lean Cabinet with its size legislated was the best way to go for Malawi.
Presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda last week said the primary consideration in the configuration of the Cabinet was to ensure the delivery of quality services and development to Malawians which the President did.
