By Wadza Botomani
Prominent veteran journalist and social commentator Idriss Nassah has issued a stark warning to the newly empowered Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), urging its members to abandon a “revenge mentality” and focus instead on the urgent task of national recovery.
In a widely circulated Facebook post, Nassah expressed deep concern over the rhetoric emanating from some DPP operatives just three days after the party’s electoral victory.
“I worry,” Nassah began his post. “Hearing what DPP operatives are saying—some of whom have expectations to hold public offices—they seem driven by a quest for vengeance.”
He described their language as carrying a “sublinal, yet ominous threat,” paraphrasing it as: “You, so and so, did this to us when we were in opposition, you better watch out now…”
Nassah characterized this attitude as a predictable but dangerous reaction from people who have suddenly acquired power after a period without it. “They go bananas,” he wrote, drawing a parallel to a harsh school environment. “But never again do we want this country to be run like a mission school by a headmaster who believes in corporal punishment as the instrument to enforce discipline and his personal power.”
The journalist noted that the “anger pervading the loudmouths of the DPP” is already stoking public fear about what lies ahead. He called for an immediate shift in focus from political retribution to governance.
“DPP leaders and supporters have to quickly transition from the revenge mentality to taking care of the business at hand,” Nassah stated. “Malawians voted to move this country forward with purpose and a vision for prosperity.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Nassah pointed out that the DPP has inherited a struggling economy. He argued that the new administration’s legitimacy will hinge entirely on its ability to deliver tangible results.
“The people are looking at whether the party and its administration are capable of reversing the damage done to the economy and get this country working again,” he wrote. “If that doesn’t happen, the people will quickly become restless. And it won’t end well.”
Nassar prescribed a clear path for the government to win public trust: demonstrate a relentless work ethic from day one, fulfill campaign promises to cut wasteful spending and reduce corruption, and focus on putting Malawi back on track.
“That is how to win hearts and minds. Not by vengeful bloodletting,” he concluded.
The commentary ended with a pointed reminder of the fleeting nature of political goodwill, warning the DPP that it cannot afford to gamble with public optimism. “Ask the once mightily pompous MCP,” Nassah wrote, invoking the fall of the former ruling party as a cautionary tale.
