(NYASATIMES) Call to help avert Malawi food crisis

Call to help avert Malawi food crisis
Josh Ashaz
29 December, 2008 02:09:00

Malawi former president Bakili Muluzi has appealed to the international aid organizations to assist the nation as it is gripped with hunger following reports of shortage of grain and people dying of starvation.

The former head of state made the appeal during a public meeting he held in Zomba City, about 60 kms away from the commercial capital, Blantyre.

"I would like to make a special appeal to international community to assist Malawi as soon as possible," said Muluzi, who was speaking to a soaked crowd at Mponda freedom park who spent over two hours in rains.

The former president accused President Bingu wa Mutharika saying he is not prepared to admit that the country is in food crisis.

He said in his inaugural speech, Mutharika promised to turn Malawi into a paradise within a short period of time but has failed to do so.

"Today he tells us we have maize to feed ourselves for five years when some people are dying isn't this a mockery?" wondered Muluzi.

“People are struggling to live. Maize is not available,” he said.

UDF alliance torchbearer told the crowd that in his time they were honest enough to come out right on food situation to save the people's lives.

He said if government is not willing to swallow its pride and save people, the opposition could take the task and ask for food donations from well wishers abroad.

Muluzi also bashed government for using coupon system for the fertilizer subsidy programme.

He said coupons which are purchased on national budget through tax payers money are distributed discriminatory to only members of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

Muluzi pledged to halt the system when he forms government in May and replace it with what he said universal fertilizer subsidy.

Hinting on his electoral pledge, Muluzi said if elected into power in May, he will revert to the old policy of pension calculations for civil servants.

“I will ensure that we improve pension scheme as our first priority in May so that pensioners should live a decent post-retirement life,” said Muluzi.

He also said the new UDF administration would enhance academic education where more teachers will be employed and well remunerated, open more schools and provide proper learning facilities.

Muluzi. who introduced free primary education when he assumed power in 1994, said the programme will not be compromised as his government will ensure quality education.

He bemoaned President Mutharika’s conduct of denigrating University lectures saying they form the most important component of learning and should be properly looked after.

Muluzi also talked about establishing small business development fund and also creation of additional jobs through agro-procession.

The UDF presidential candidate maintained his call for government to reduce fuel prices in line with global trends.

This was the first rally by Muluzi since his return from a private visit in Britain.