Minister of Justice, Titus Mvalo on Saturday presided over the International Anti-Corruption Day and Malawi’s Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB)’s silver jubilee in Balaka where he called for concerted effort from all partners in the fight against corruption for the attainment of Malawi 2063 agenda.
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The minister made the call at Balaka Stadium during the International Anti-Corruption Day commemoration and 25 years of ACB’s existence.
Mvalo said, for many years, Malawi has suffered from the effects of corruption and called for the need for Malawi to reflect and re- strategize on how “We should move forward in the next 25 years,”
The minister said with political commitment as shown by State President, Dr. Lazarus Chakwera Malawi can win the fight against corruption.
“Government is fully aware that the 25-year journey was not an easy one, we are aware also that the citizenry feels the international anti- corruption day not worthy celebrating due to the many issues happening. Let me agree with the theme song by Lucius Banda that the fight against corruption is a war.”
“Some are being called rich because of corrupt money, many use the same money they get from corruption to fight the fight against it. Let us not let these people win their fight, let us fight back with more vigor.” Mvalo said.
On her part, ACB Director General, Martha Chizuma thanked government for the financial resources given to the bureau in dealing with corruption for the past 25 years.
“For the past 3 months we have seen that people have taken the fight against corruption to greater heights than ever”. She said.
She observed that some of the problems that Malawi is facing are due to the increase in corruption cases.
“To some, fighting corruption is a waste of time and they think we cannot win, this is because of the many issues the country has seen in the past 25 years,” added the Director General.
She expressed optimism that change is possible saying Malawi can win the fight against corruption despite challenges encountered amidst the fight.
“On 19 December 2020, some newspaper called the Economist mentioned Malawi as the most democratic nation as many countries are failing, the paper also applauded the citizenry for their vigilance, this is a clear indication that as a country we are making strides” said Chizuma.
Member of Parliament, for Balaka West, Bather Ndebere urged people from all walks of life to report all corrupt practices to ACB and other law enforcement agents for Malawi to be corrupt free come 2063.
She has also asked for protection of whistle blowers, saying a lot of people are afraid to report corrupt practices because of fear of reprisals or being summoned to testify in a court of law.
The function was held under the theme; ‘Together towards a corrupt free Malawi’.
During the function eight former ACB Directors as well as five long serving officers who have been with the bureau from 1998 to date were awarded for their service.
