By Vincent Gunde
Revolutionary President and Transformer of the Muvi wa Chilungamo Revolutionary Party (MRP), Bantu Saunders Jumah, has accused the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led-government of returning Malawi to what he describes as a past system of terror, following an injunction obtained by a concerned citizen Austin Mkoka restraining Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman from proceeding with planned investigations into public institutions.
In a voice note circulating on social media, Jumah says the injunction demonstrates that Malawi is returning to politics of fear and intimidation, arguing that the country cannot develop under a government that blocks efforts aimed at promoting accountability.
He says Malawi has had six presidents and six governments during its 62 years of independence and 32 years of democracy, but claims that successive governments have left office with politicians becoming billionaires while ordinary Malawians remain poor.
Jumah says it is unfortunate that Parliament has stood with citizens whose taxes have allegedly been misappropriated by politicians in government, while the Executive and Judiciary have, in his view, acted against the interests of citizens by granting Mkoka an injunction that has tied the Speaker’s hands.
He says Malawi is returning to its old politics of instilling fear and intimidation, calling on all citizens, regardless of their political party affiliations, to remain vigilant and participate in building what he describes as a new Malawi for everyone and not just a few individuals.
Jumah says Parliament and the Judiciary have a duty to serve the people, arguing that on matters affecting citizens, Parliament must remain their voice by questioning the government.
He also questions who the courts are serving, saying the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary must serve and protect the public interest.
The MRP leader says it is sad that the three arms of government have allegedly turned against the public interest, while also claiming that secret meetings are being held with an agenda to impeach Suleman as Speaker of Parliament.
Jumah says Malawi is neither a cursed nor abandoned country, as some people suggest, but argues that its politicians are responsible for the country’s problems.
He claims that democracy in Malawi is serving politicians who are avoiding accountability to citizens and questions why public officers are allegedly running away from scrutiny.
“Malawians need a government that protects every Kwacha for fuel, forex, electricity, and not a government that bars progress,” he says.
Jumah has also called for a national referendum to allow Malawians to decide whether Suleman is wrong and Mkoka is right, or whether Parliament is wrong and the DPP is right.
He further urges president Arthur Peter Mutharika to make his position clear on the matter and say whether he stands with the people or what he describes as thieves in government.
The MRP leader has also appealed to Malawians to start conversations and debates on the type of government the country needs from 2030, which he describes as the ‘third chapter of a new Malawi.’
He says if there is a vote of no confidence, Malawians can give the courts their verdict, reminding citizens that the May 2019 presidential election was nullified after the court found irregularities involving Tipp-Ex in the management of election results and ordered a fresh presidential election.
Jumah says the courts also made a blunder in 2020 by allowing Members of Parliament (MPs) elected in 2019 to serve for six years, while the election date was moved from May, when elections had traditionally been held, to September.
He has therefore, reiterates his call for a referendum, saying Malawians should be given an opportunity to decide the future direction of the country.
