BY ELINA MBALE.
(News of The South) – Malawi’s Vice President Dr Saulos Chilima who resigned from the rulling Democratic Progressive Party due to what he described as ‘high corruption among the rulling elite,’ on Saturday launched his political party, and challenged to contest against incumbent President Peter Mutharika in next year’s May elections.
Thousands of Malawians in the capital Lilongwe, flocked to Masintha ground to witness the party’s launch which has been flooded by technocrats. Also present was Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya, wife to former President Bingu Wa Mutharika who is an inlaw to the incumbent President, and several political heavy weights from major political parties joining Chilima’s UniteTransformation Movement (UPM).
Speaking during the launch Chilima warned against high corruption by the government officials who he claimed continue to steal millions of dollars of public funds. He warned he would give 40 days ultimatum for the current government corrupt officials to return the stolen money or face arrests when he is elected President.
“Surely the country has been suffering from corruption but this government is the worst, the officials are distributing tax payers money like no body’s business. Let me warn you that once I take over government I will give you 40 days to return back the people’s money, failure will lead to the arrest of all of you,” warned Chilima, adding “I have no mercy for corrupt government officials because you are behind the country’s High poverty levels and citizens sufferings.”
Chilima said most of the parastatals including Malawi’s power provider, Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi are under performing because most of the money generated from electricity bills is being stolen by politicians who give orders to the institutions top authorities.
Recently, President Peter Mutharika was under public attack following a leaked invitation document by the Country’s Anti Corruption Bureau that he received nearly $200 000 from an Asian food supply to influence his tender bid for providing food rations to Malawi Police Service.
Human rights organisations have demanded that he returns the money but Mutharika claims it was a donation to the ruling party.
Chilima who is a business leader also promised to reduce unemployment among the youth by creating one million jobs through establishment of government manufacturing industries and other initiatives.
Speaking at the rally, The Speaker of Parliament Richard Msowoya urged Malawians to vote for the new party in order to transform Malawi.
“To be honest, the current government has completely failed to develop Malawi, instead of of reducing poverty, it is accelerating it by stealing public funds. Let’s vote for change, let’s vote it out of government next year,” Msowoya said.
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