Opposition have failed Malawians—John Chisi
Umodzi Party president Professor John Chisi has said opposition parties in the country failed to utilise their majority numbers in Parliament to make positive policy changes which would in the long run uplift Malawians’ lives.
Chisi has also described opposition parties’ solidarity rallies as a waste of time and financial resources.
Recently, Malawi Congress Party (MCP), People’s Party (PP) and Alliance for Democracy (Aford) leaders have held rallies together. During the rallies, the parties faulted the ruling Democratic Progressive Party for failing to provide leadership on national issues.
But in an interview, Chisi said opposition political parties cannot accomplish outside what they have failed to change inside the national assembly.
“It’s a surprise that these parties (opposition) which make the majority in Parliament are failing to make those positive changes within Parliament …I think the parties have failed to stand strong on their ideals and failed also to represent the best interests of Malawians, “he said.
According to Chisi, had the opposition parties worked together and defeated unpopular bills in Parliament, the solidarity rallies could have been a matter of celebrating their victory in Parliament.
“But they failed to utilise their majority to block such proposals as a reduction in financial allocation to the Ministry of Education, so to me this shows that the main opposition has failed to influence other opposition parties in Parliament in as far as decision making is concerned,” he said.
Chisi also said the parties through their solidarity rallies have failed to provide alternatives to solving the challenges that Malawians are facing.
“As a well meaning opposition, our role should be giving the ruling party solutions to the challenges the country is facing, in that way the people will start taking us seriously,” said Chisi adding that “let us do the right things and leave Malawians to decide as to whether they want these guys to continue leading us beyond 2019.”
According to Chisi, the rallies are also a waste of resources which could be used to help finance various projects in the country.
“Rallies are expensive and if you ask me, I would rather the money be used towards distribution of food to people who are facing hunger due to various reasons, otherwise the rallies, which have been conducted without proper research have also ended up triggering violence,” he said.
Chakwera told a rally in Blantyre few weeks ago that the opposition leaders conducting the solidarity rallies are not frustrated losers as some people have been describing them.
Instead, Chakwera said the leaders are only providing the much needed checks and balances to government.
“We wish the country well and we don’t have any ill will. As opposition we give our views on what needs to be done for all Malawians to be happy with the socio-economic environment of the country,” Chakwera said.
A vibrant writer who gives a great insight on hot topics and issues
