By Clever Mwale
While some analysts have faulted President Peter Mutharika’s use of a personal vehicle, others have welcomed the decision, arguing that the inheritance of motor vehicles used by previous administrations ought to be done with caution.
Publicity secretary for Political Science Association Mabvuto Bamusi said the alleged abuse that happened to State Residences during the previous administration may also apply to State House motor vehicles.
“Security issues are of priority interest for the President. Inheritance of motor vehicles used by the previous president needs to be done with extreme caution because, in politics, nothing can be taken for granted.
“Therefore, President Mutharika should be commended for taking such serious cautionary measures. The use of a personal vehicle will, in the short-term, also help to save public funds,” Bamusi said.
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However, some analysts have argued that, after assuming power in October this year, Mutharika is legally required to use officially designated State vehicles.
Mutharika uses his private American-made Escalade.
Executive Director for Church and Society of the Blantyre Synod of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian, Reverend Master Jumbe, said issues pertaining to security for the President should not be taken for granted.
Jumbe said Mutharika could not just jump into vehicles used by officials of the previous government until they were cleared by security experts.
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“By using a personal vehicle, the government is also making some savings. This is very commendable of President Mutharika. He is not just talking about austerity measures but living it. The former government failed to live by their austerity measures’ principles.
“Issues of security are very crucial and before using the vehicles, the State House or experts need to certify that the new President can now begin to use them,” Jumbe said.
Presidential Press Secretary Cathy Maulidi said the official presidential vehicle required maintenance before the President could start using it.
“Therefore, we see nothing wrong with the President using this vehicle, especially since it is in better condition than the official presidential vehicle,” Maulidi said.
“The State House has not procured any additional vehicles for the President or staff. The President is using the said vehicle while the staff at State House are using the vehicles already found in the car park, and this decision should be commended,” Maulidi said.
The new administration has come up with several austerity measures including halving embassy staff, reducing fuel allocation for Cabinet ministers by 30 percent, asking government officials to be flying economy class and suspending the recruitment of civil servants, among others.
In October, it was reported that Kamuzu Palace was damaged during the change of administration.
Mutharika is yet to start using the house.
The State House also indicated that Mzuzu State Lodge was damaged and under maintenance.
