Peter’s speech offers hope, lacks depth–Commentators

Economic and governance commentators have said the 71-minute State of the Nation Address President Peter Mutharika delivered in Parliament yesterday offers hope in that it outlines what they describe as key factors for development.
However, they were quick to state that the speech, titled ‘Transforming our Country into a Prosperous Nation with a Shared Vision’, lacked the required depth in terms of outlining specific time frames during which outlined programmes will be implemented.
Martha Kwataine, executive director for Malawi Health Equity Network (Mhen), welcomed the President’s firmness in introducing medical insurance for public servants.
Said Kwataine: “This is what we have been advocating for all along and we look forward to government introducing universal medical insurance as it is with our neighbouring countries.
“Donors are getting tired of filling our begging bowls and this is the way to go for our country. It is also encouraging to note that government wishes to give incentives to health workers as this will definitely increase productivity.”
However, Kwataine advised government to give specific time frames during which it will implement what is contained in the President’s speech.
In his reaction, Malawi Economic Justice Network (Mejn) executive director Dalitso Kubalasa expressed optimism that the outlined programmes, if well executed, will bring significant change and transformation to the outlook of the country’s democracy.
“It’s good that the President acknowledged that the country is sailing through serious economic challenges and that he is ready to put rhetoric into action,” he said.
Kubalasa commended government’s appreciation for the role the media and civil society organisations (CSOs) play in the country’s socio-economic development.
He said: “This, if well implemented, will definitely be a breath of fresh air in economic [management]. Nevertheless, some elements of the government’s agenda which have already brought debate need to be ironed out.”
Former minister of Finance and Economic Planning and Development Matthews Chikaonda expressed delight that the new administration wishes to focus on youth empowerment.
Said Chikaonda: “The youth are the backbone of the country’s economic growth and any initiative aimed at empowering them should be commended and taken seriously.
“Government needs to put much emphasis on strengthening institutions that serve the youth. However, government should come out with specific period and targets for the youth programmes.”
Lucky Mbewe, an education activist, advised government to provide a link between higher and lower education so as to bridge the gaps existing in the sector.
Reacting to the address, Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president and leader of opposition in Parliament Lazarus Chakwera said the speech would afford the nation an opportunity to end the suffering of Malawians.
He said it was good that the President acknowledged that the country was in deep problems that needed urgent solutions.
Said Chakwera: “The President’s speech has provided us with an opportunity on how we can chart our way as a nation, but this can only happen if the President can walk the talk.”
In his reaction, leader of UDF in the House Atupele Muluzi said all his party would like from the current government is the stabilisation of the economy which needed to be done as soon as possible. n