By The Forum
Four new deputy ministers have been sworn in, with President Peter Mutharika once again delivering a stern warning against corruption as he administered the oath of office.
Speaking on Friday at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe, Mutharika reiterated his government’s commitment to tackling corruption, which he described as one of the major obstacles to Malawi’s development.
“As you discharge your duties, remember to observe the rule of law and avoid engaging in corrupt activities,” Mutharika said. “Corruption is evil. It robs citizens of the services and opportunities they deserve and stalls development.”
He warned that his administration would act decisively against corrupt practices, stressing that there would be “no sacred cows.”
“I will unapologetically deal with anyone involved in corruption,” Mutharika said. “I trust that you will rise to the occasion and resist any temptations.”
The President said the new deputy ministers were joining a cabinet that had already begun delivering tangible results and urged them to serve Malawians with integrity, diligence and humility in order to advance the government’s development agenda.
“As I always say, this government is people-centred and sinthawi yodyerera (not time to eat) but to serve,” Mutharika said, adding that their appointments were not meant to appease anyone but to strengthen capacity as the country confronts emerging challenges.
Turning to the devastating floods that have claimed lives and damaged infrastructure, including major road networks, Mutharika said climate change posed a serious threat to Malawi’s socio-economic progress.
“I urge you to find workable solutions to these challenges as we continue to gain traction with economic recovery,” he said.
Those sworn in are Thoko Tembo as Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development; Chipiliro Mpinganjira as Deputy Minister of Natural Resources; Edgar Tembo as Deputy Minister of Industrialisation, Trade and Tourism; and Charles Chilambula as Deputy Minister of Health and Sanitation.
Mutharika, who previously served as president from 2014 to 2019, returned to office after winning a landslide victory in last September’s election, securing 56.8 percent of the vote against incumbent Lazarus Chakwera’s 33 percent.
Since taking office for his final term, Mutharika has repeatedly spoken out against corruption. The newly sworn-in deputy ministers were appointed following a cabinet reshuffle. When the first group of ministers was sworn in, the President pledged to require monthly performance reports from cabinet members, although it remains unclear whether the latest reshuffle is linked to performance assessments.
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