By Burnett Munthali
Pasadi Katole recently penned an insightful reflection on the tenure of former Malawian President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, contrasting his focused leadership with the perceived distractions in the current political climate. In his writing, Katole highlights Mutharika’s commitment to governance, pointing out that he was not a leader who wasted time on trivial matters, such as casually traveling abroad or leisurely engaging in activities like riding bicycles.
“Arthur Peter Mutharika was not one to waste time playing in the streets, gallivanting on planes, or leisurely riding bikes. He was always in the office, working hard for the country, and during that time, the prices of goods kept going down,” Katole remarked.
This reflection resonates with many Malawians who recall Mutharika’s presidency as a time when economic conditions were more stable. Katole credits the former president for focusing on the essentials—working from his office and ensuring that his leadership directly benefited the people. According to Katole, Mutharika’s ability to remain dedicated to his work resulted in the drop in commodity prices, bringing relief to ordinary Malawians.
During Mutharika’s time in office, his administration was often noted for its focus on maintaining macroeconomic stability, which in turn helped to curb inflation and manage prices for basic goods. Katole’s comments suggest that this focus on economic governance is what allowed Mutharika’s government to reduce the cost of living, an issue that remains a significant concern for many citizens today.
Katole’s statement serves as both a reflection on past leadership and an implicit critique of the current state of governance. By comparing Mutharika’s hands-on, office-centered approach to today’s leadership, Katole raises important questions about how time and priorities are managed by those in power and how this affects the daily lives of Malawians.
Ultimately, Katole’s reflection reminds Malawians of the value of leadership that is dedicated, hardworking, and economically focused—qualities he believes were embodied by Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika during his presidency.
