President Peter Mutharika has challenged newly-appointed Cabinet ministers to prioritise improving the welfare of Malawians through efficient service delivery and not be bent on reaping personal gains.
Presiding over the swearing-in of 12 Cabinet ministers, three deputies and Attorney General Frank Mbeta at Bingu International Convention Centre in Lilongwe yesterday to complete his team, he said this is not time to eat but to get to work and serve the interests of Malawians.
Said the President: “Serve with integrity, diligence, and humility. Let the interests of our nation always come before personal gain. This is not a time to eat; it is a time to work; and to work hard for the prosperity of our beloved country.
“We are all aware of the economic challenges that our nation is facing. My vision is clear: To solve these economic challenges and bring tangible development to every Malawian.”
Mutharika warned the Cabinet ministers against engaging in corruption, saying that it weakens provision of social services to poor Malawians.
“On governance, let me remind you that no nation can prosper where corruption thrives. Corruption robs citizens of hospitals, schools, and clean water, among others. Corruption also weakens institutions, scares off investors, and erodes our moral fabric. Therefore, I will not tolerate any corruption. We must root out this vice once and for all. As Cabinet ministers, you must be exemplary and demonstrate financial prudence,” he said.
Speaking earlier, Chief Secretary to the Government Justin Saidi commended Mutharika for sticking to the promise of a lean Cabinet.
He then said government will organise orientation of the Cabinet ministers on how they are supposed to conduct themselves.
Saidi said the new ministers must stick to austerity measures that guide them to undertake three international trips annually on notification and approval of the President.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General has said he will strive to serve and give legal advice to government and help in upholding rule of law.
He said on the top of the list is the review of several government contracts to ensure that they are signed in the interest of Malawians and not few individuals with selfish interests.
“I will help in making sure that all government institutions are operating in accordance with the law and if there are any other issues, because issues do arise, I will endeavour to make sure that we resolve them, within the law without any favour or discrimination of whatsoever” said Mbeta.
Cabinet members sworn in yesterday are Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Charles Mhango, Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development Jappie Mhango, Minister of Homeland Security Peter Mukhito, Minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation Joel Chigona, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Patricia Wiskes, Minister of Information and Communication Technology Shadric Namalomba, Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri , Minister of Gender, Children , Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha, Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Jean Mathanga and Minister of Defence Chimwemwe Chipungu.
The list also included Deputy Minister of Education Francis Foley, Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Martha Ngwira and Deputy Minister of Homeland Security Norman Chisale.
Mutharika, who was inaugurated on October 4 following his triumph in the September 16 General Election, earlier appointed three ministers before adding two more. The appointments made on Thursday night completed his 24-member Cabinet.
