Justice Ministry pleads for funding
The Ministry of Justice and Constitution Affairs says it has already started consultation processes with the Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development Goodall Gondwe on the significance of increasing resources to the judiciary.
Minister responsible Samuel Tembenu said if government does not give the judiciary financial support as required, the justice delivery system will not make any sense and would be meaningless.
Tembenu spoke in Blantyre on Friday, at a farewell cocktail party, organised in honour of former Chief Justice Anastasia Msosa who has since been replaced by Justice Andrew Nyirenda.
“I would like to assure you, ladies and colleagues that I have been one of you, and l will take up the issue to help you, Justice Nyirenda, to achieve your mandate by making sure that my colleague Minister Gondwe, makes available resources that you require for the judiciary to further perform its functions,” he said.
Tembenu then advised the judges to have a workable plan that can be presented to both government and developing partners on how they intend to push the agenda of delivery of justice system.
In his speech, Nyirenda told the minster that the judiciary will follow up the commitments made.
Nyirenda commended Justice Msosa for upholding section nine of the Constitution which mandates the judiciary to interpret, protect and enforce the constitution and all laws in accordance with the constitution in an independent manner with regard only to legally relevant facts and the prescriptions of the law.
“It cannot be disputed that Msosa excelled and acquitted herself in her performance of duty. For that reason she has not only earned recognition in the legal fraternity but also outside as demonstrated by numerous appointments in extra-legal portfolios,” Nyirenda said.
Msosa who was the first Chairperson of the Malawi Electoral Commission between 1993 and 1998 and successfully managed the first democratic electoral process in this country praised the legal fraternity for supporting her officer.
Msosa who graduated from the University of Malawi with a Law Degree in 1975 has worked in the public service and judiciary for over 40 years.
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