Part of Catholic Bishops Statement: 3.6. Public Appointments CCJP further notes that government continue to flaunt procedures in appointing people to various positions of public interest. Those appointed sometimes are also not consulted leading us to question the seriousness of the appointing authority as well as its legitimate expectations from the appointed people. Whilst, many commentators have argued that government can be inclusive and generate an integrated leadership representational framework; we in CCJP think, appointments of advocates on development and human rights and faith leaders has, in Malawi tended to cripple the conscious of the civil society and faith based movement in Malawi- it has also, sometimes paralysed and confused the “watchdog” role of the faith based institutions as well as the NGO movement. Similarly, much as the state President His Excellency Prof. Peter Mutharika, in his inaugural speech he committed to promote gender equality, it is sad that only few women have been appointed in leadership positions. (For example out of 20 cabinet ministers 3 only are women). We think there must be a deliberate affirmative action for women leadership in various governance systems and structures than it is the case now. We therefore implore the state leadership to proactively consider social inclusion, women participation, and maintenance of the doctrine of the separation of powers and roles in sustaining the consolidation of democracy in our country. Furthermore, issues of redeployment are also worrisome to us as in some cases, two people are paid on the same post when the other one is just doing nothing. In some instances, some are redeployed to departments which do not match their skills or career path. This is resulting in wasting tax payer’s money and misallocation of human resource. CCJP has been always worried with the wastage of tax payers money and misallocation of human resource by almost all government administrations every time government administrations are changing. 3.7. Lack of National Policy agenda CCJP seeks to remind the nation and the leadership of various governance structures that on the road to 2014 tripartite elections, the nation was agreeing of having a parliamentary act to establish an independent National Development Commission. It seems, six months down the ladder, this zeal is not observable in the current national discourse. CCJP is worried that continued politicization and personalization of development in Malawi have denied many communities the enjoyment and fulfilment of their right to development. To avoid further marginalization of some communities from the development processes, CCJP is making a special appeal to the executive, parliamentarians, CSOs, FBOs and the general citizenry to re-engage into the dialogue needed for the development of the relevant national policy agenda and the much anticipated Independent National Development Commission. Insecurity The cries of most Malawians both in urban and rural communities, CCJP notes; is the issue of insecurity. Insecurity has resulted into loss of life and property. We are saddened to note also an ambiguous role of security personnel in curbing insecurity as some crime is done right under their nose and is also reported by the media to having been perpetrated by police officers. We are actually surprised that, in our observations- it has become a tradition that once administration of government changes, the transition period is marred by heightened criminal cases. We therefore ask government and its cooperating partners that our Police should be capacitated in terms of funding so that they acquire necessary resources e.g vehicles, technology and equipment. At the same time proper deployment in the police service should be done. It seems there are a lot of traffic officers than Security police. We further implore for the role of community in combating crime since this, in our modern world is collective responsibility. 3.8. Strikes CCJP notes, the numerous labour related strikes currently under way and others in the offing. Whilst CCJP acknowledges the right of employees to a just and fair wage, we would like to encourage engagement and dialogue between employers and employees to resolving their differences. Similarly, we believe proper appreciation of the employers economic strength in the meeting the ever growing employees’ demands is also needed. Specifically, with our own government riddled with acute shortage of financial resources- striking staff should realise that government has a weaker capacity at the moment. Government must balance the demands and interests of various sectors of the population. We, in CCJP however, seek to ask government and its other departments or branches like state houses, cabinet, parliament and judiciary etc. to be exemplary in their appetite for spending and living in luxurious life. It is unfair and unjust to deny increments of salaries elsewhere and in another approve rapid changes to salaries. Often times, this inherent contradiction within government structures is a recipe for being disgruntled and lukewarm approach to work that seriously affects effectiveness and efficiency in public service delivery. CCJP believes, we- the executive, the legislature, the judiciary and the general citizenry must collectively face the stringent measures needed to turn around our economy.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 12:08:50 +0000
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