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There will no peace for anybody stealing public resources in the country. This is the message that President Bingu wa Mutharika took to Chancellor College Thursday where he gave a lecture to the university community that included administrators, lecturers and students.
He said sentiments from certain quarters that “I am scaring people” will not deter him.
Mutharika said stamping out corruption is one of his pillars of growth for political and economical management to achieve “my vision which is also your vision”.
At the mention of the fight against corruption, the Great Hall exploded. There was applause from the audience in the packed hall with students chanting “Musawasiye choncho azolowera” (do not let them scot free) in apparent reference to people who served in the former government but have been arrested on corruption charges.
But Mutharika went on: “Opportunities for growth should not be the prerogative of a few. Everyone should have a chance. We must share the little we have.”
Outlining his pillars for the growth of the country, Mutharika explained that development should integrate the rural areas to empower everyone economically and realise their dreams.
The President then questioned the moral spirit of Malawians, especially students, who vandalise public utilities
Some of the students who spoke supported Mutharika’s efforts to bring back lost confidence of the donor community.
But they urged the President to live by all his words, reminding him of a broken promise that former president Bakili Muluzi made that he will buy the college a bus.
Mutharika defended former President Bakili Muluzi saying Muluzi is a man who lived by his word and that government works on priorities. This received boos from students.
But the President countered: “I don’t promise what I can’t deliver and I deliver what I promise.”
This received applause.
After the lecture, Mutharika wanted immediate feedback.
Five students walked to the podium. Kelvin Ngwira, a visually impaired Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) third year student said visually impaired students do not have Braille material in the library which forces them to ask for assistance from colleagues.
“How then can we read things that are not readable. If it is impossible for government to provide us with studying materials then it simply means that we the blind cannot excel in education,” said Ngwira.
The President then promised a bus, books that are not outdated and promised to act immediately on the physically challenged persons’ concerns.
The President also deplored students’ behaviour of running into the streets whenever they have grievances.
“Rioting and striking is the last resort. But here, you strike first and talk later. You should not break the dialogue,” he said, while appealing to authorities to listen to students’ grievances.
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