Maravi

(NYASATIMES) Malawi on road to destruction, warns Chilumpha

Malawi on road to destruction, warns Chilumpha
By Prince Jamali
23 November, 2008 11:56:00

Malawi's Vice President, Cassim Chilumpha has warned that the country is on a path towards self-destruction if politics of victimization and character assassination continues.

Speaking on Saturday in Blantyre during the launch of a book, "The History of Islam in Malawi" authored by a leading Muslim scholar, Valiant Mussa, Chilumpha said Malawians have done away with real issues towards national building and instead, they have adopted a culture of victimization and character assassination, which he said is putting the country at risk of destruction.

"As a nation, we are focusing on matters which are bordering on victimizing those who hold views contrary to ours. We have left behind values which could build our country.

"Instead, we have taken a path to victimize others for our own good. If we cannot change, we are going to be destroyed," Chilumpha, who is under house arrest on alleged charges of plotting to assassinate, his boss, Bingu Wa Mutharika, said.

The Vice President said there was need for Malawians to learn to be tolerant towards each other's opinions, if the country was to move forward beyond this level.

At this point, Chilumpha appealed to all Malawians to safeguard the country's freedom of expression, saying that it is the only weapon, which could accelerate development initiatives.

"For this country to develop, we need people to write books and other forms of reading materials. We need knowledge for us to move forward in terms of development. It is not money that we only need. Knowledge is very vital for us to succeed," said Chilumpha, a highly revered corporate lawyer, who has authored several books.

The Vice President then appealed to all political leaders in the country to learn to accept their mistakes and reform where possible.

"If we are to excel in our leadership roles, we need to learn to accept our mistakes. A real leader must do that, if he is to respected by his followers," said Chilumpha, without elaborating.

The launch of the book was attended by a cross-section of the Muslim community and scholars.

Labels: CASSIM CHILUMPHA, MALAWI, POLITICS

posted by MrK @ 6:06 PM