Civil society organizations Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) and Forum for National Development (FND) have commended President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for demonstrating commitment to good governance, inclusivity, and ethical leadership, citing diversity in his cabinet and other public appointments.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, HRCC Board Chairperson, Robert Mkwezalamba, and FND National Coordinator, Fryson Chodzi, observed that the current Cabinet reflects regional diversity and gender balance, elements the duo said are key in respecting principles of national unity and equitable representation.
“These principles are critical in rebuilding public trust and bridging political and regional divides that have characterized past administrations,” said Mkwezalamba and Chodzi in the statement.
However, the human rights activists demanded that the government should not only look at representation, but also effectiveness, transparency, and accountability among those entrusted with the responsibilities.
Mkwezalamba emphasized the need for each appointment, whether in the Cabinet, parastatals, diplomatic service, or regulatory institutions, to be grounded in merit, competence, and integrity, not political loyalty or personal reward.
“We remind the DPP administration that state power is a public trust, not a partisan asset. Those entrusted with ministerial or senior public roles must view themselves as servants of the people, obligated to uphold the Constitution and the values of justice, fairness, and equality. As civil society, we are encouraged by the President’s repeated emphasis on zero tolerance for corruption and abuse of office.
“However, such declarations must now be translated into action through visible measures such as strengthening the independence and capacity of oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), the Auditor General’s Office, and the Human Rights Commission,” they said.
HRCC and FND further said they were encouraged by Mutharika’s assurance of his commitment to enforcing accountability within ministries by ensuring timely publication of performance reports, budgets, and procurement records and protecting public institutions from political interference, thereby allowing professionals to serve based on expertise and national interest.
“We further urge the government to prioritize the appointment of technocrats and reform-minded individuals in economic, social, and governance portfolios to ensure that policy decisions are guided by data, innovation, and national interest, not political expediency. The Cabinet and public appointments should embody a renewed social contract, one where every decision made reflects a commitment to deliver meaningful progress, protect human rights, and uplift the lives of the millions who continue to live below the poverty line.
“It is our sincere hope that the DPP government will seize this moment to prove that leadership can be visionary, humble, and transformative, a leadership that listens to citizens, consults widely, and acts decisively in advancing the collective aspirations of Malawians,” emphasized Mkwezalamba and Chodzi.
