Maravi

(NYASATIMES) Quota system a tool for ethnic separations –cleric

Quota system a tool for ethnic separations –cleric
By Nyasa Times
Published: January 20, 2010

Former first Public Affairs Committee (PAC) chairperson Reverend Sailosi Nyirenda has asked government and other stakeholders to deal with the controversial quota system with a serious mind. “Let those advocating for the reintroduction of the policy tell Malawians its goodness independently and those against it also be heard,” said Reverend Nyirenda.

He said it is worrying to see that those in support of the system are being granted permission to present their views on public media like TVM and MBC radio but those against the policy are denied such chances.

Reverend Nyirenda described government’s reintroduction of the controversial quota system of selecting university students as divisive and a violation of the country’s constitution.

“The matter was dealt with in court of law, why is this government bringing back the matter,” questioned Reverend Nyirenda adding it raises suspicions on how the Bingu wa Mutharika government is rushing on the issue saying Malawians will be divided.

Reverend Nyirenda said that the fact that President Mutharika claimed that northerners are dominating higher learning institutions and the civil service in the country it translates that the system is aimed at eliminating them.

This, the clergyman said is unfair and worrying as in the mean time no-one in the country is denied access to these universities on performance basis.

“Quota system is abominable, a tool for division, injustice and discord,” enthused Reverend Nyirenda.

Last year, ruling DPP fired its director of political affairs Harry Mkandawire for publicly faulting Mutharika on quota system.

Heavy armed police officers also barred CCAP Synod of Livingstonia clergymen from marching in the city’s streets against the reintroduction of quota system and 2009-2010 secondary selection.

Labels: EDUCATION, ELIMINATION EXAMS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (MALAWI), SAILOSI NYIRENDA

posted by MrK @ 10:19 PM