By Burnett Munthali
In a scathing critique, Blantyre City South East Member of Parliament, Sameer Suleman, accused the government of wasting hundreds of millions of Kwacha on unnecessary expenses during President Lazarus Chakwera’s recent trip to China. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Suleman claimed that the government has been reckless with public funds by allowing a large contingent of what he referred to as “journeymen” to accompany the President.Musapite Ku China: tizivutika tonse — Suleman
Suleman argued that these funds could have been better utilized in addressing the pressing needs of Malawians, especially given the current economic challenges facing the country. “At a time when the majority of Malawians are struggling to make ends meet, it is disheartening to see such wasteful expenditure,” he said. The lawmaker expressed concern that the trip, which was intended to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Malawi and China, has been overshadowed by what he views as an unnecessary burden on the national treasury.
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According to Suleman, the trip’s bloated entourage not only reflects poor financial management but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability. “The people of Malawi deserve to know why such a large group was necessary and what tangible benefits this trip will bring to the nation,” he added.
The government has yet to respond to these allegations, but supporters of the President argue that such trips are essential for fostering international relations and securing investments for the country. They also point out that the presence of various officials is crucial for ensuring that the agreements reached during these visits are effectively implemented.
Yelekezani Dala Kukweza Mafuta Timatcha”_ DPP
However, Suleman remains unconvinced, insisting that the government must prioritize the well-being of its citizens over extravagant spending on foreign trips. He urged Parliament to take a closer look at the expenditure associated with such official visits and to hold the government accountable for its spending practices.
The controversy surrounding President Chakwera’s China trip comes at a time when Malawi is grappling with economic difficulties, including high inflation, unemployment, and a rising cost of living. Critics like Suleman argue that the government should focus on domestic issues rather than spending large sums of money on international travel.
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As the debate over government spending continues, many Malawians are watching closely to see how the administration will address these concerns and whether any concrete action will be taken to curb what some view as reckless financial practices
