WE ARE NOT AFRAID, WE WILL NOT STOP FIGHTING CORRUPTION – CHAKWERA

President Dr Lazarus Chakwera says his administration will not back down in the fight against corruption and will get all perpetrators of the vice to book.

The Malawi leader made the remarks in a speech delivered at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe to the National Integrity Committee that was tasked to undertake special assignments in the 20-week anti-corruption campaign.

“I am happy to receive the progress report on the commitments that each of the pillars undertook to implement during the 20 weeks of the anti-corruption campaign. We all know that the complete eradication of corruption in our society is an enormous task that requires bravery, patriotism, and 100 percent commitment.

“This is why it is very encouraging to see that the National Integrity Committee has utilised the campaign period to the maximum by implementing the commitments that have brought out a high level of awareness of the evils of corruption in all sectors of our society. I have noted that the Executive Pillar is on track with the development of the National Action Plan to reinstate Malawi’s active status in the Open Government Partnership. I am also happy to note that we now have a draft manual for a lifestyle audit of public officers which would be submitted to the cabinet soon,” said Dr. Chakwera.

The President also said it is also pleasing to note that the Legislature Pillar has managed to sensitize all staff and members of Parliament on corruption and is on track to develop a code of conduct for the Parliamentarians.  

“Let me also commend all non-state pillars namely, the media, civil society, faith-based organizations, women and youth, for making strides in achieving their commitments,” said Dr Chakwera.

The President said the ACB Director General, Martha Chizuma was arrested in mysterious circumstances and emphasized that efforts to slow down government machinery on the anti-corruption drive will not materialise.

Dr Chakwera said: “As you know, this morning, we all woke up to the news that Ms. Martha Chizuma, the Director- General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, and a leading member of this committee who was scheduled to be in this meeting, was arrested under mysterious circumstances. Although I welcome the reports that she has been released, I have every intention of seeing that an inquiry into her arrest is conducted and any wrongdoers who have abused their office in this incident are held accountable.

“We must maintain our resolve and send a message to those who think they can intimidate us into submission and slow us down in our fight for a corruption-free Malawi. And that message is simple: We are not afraid and we will not stop fighting.” – MBC Online Services.