The untold story of PAC meeting with Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe

On 28 November, 2023, the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) met the Malawi leader President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera at Kamuzu Palace.

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Since he was elected to the presidency, President Chakwera has always accorded PAC an opportunity to meet him where together, the Committee and the Head of State reflect on topical issues touching on leadership and governance.

During the recent meeting, PAC hailed Chakwera’s resolve to prosecute anyone found dipping into the public purse.

“Your Excellency’s administration started well by not protecting anybody from arrests in the high offices. This was commendable,” he said.

On state economy, Dr Thawale commended Chakwera’s decision to devalue the Malawi currency saying that was commendable move as well.

“Many economic commentators have made observations on the current economic situation. Your Excellency, this remains an elephant in the room in Malawi. We will not go round and round but make observations on the recent devaluation of 44%. Let us be clear at the outset that PAC is not against any devaluation.

“Previous governments in Malawi have devalued the Malawi Kwacha. So for us we do not condemn devaluation as such. We are aware that the popular view is that by devaluing Malawi’s currency, this country makes its money cheaper and boosts exports, rendering them more competitive in the global market,” he said.

Thawale said the devaluation will make foreign products become more expensive and this will lower the demand for imports.

“As such, Your Excellency, Governments use devaluation to combat a trade imbalance and have exports exceed imports. We congratulate Your Excellency for making such a bold decision following negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF),” he said.

PAC also commended the president Chakwera for the hard decision he has been making for the good of Malawians.

“In either case we do not have any doubt that you mean well and would like to see this country move forward,” he said.

PAC also hailed the president for the road infrastructure development projects currently taking place in the country.

“We have seen road infrastructure being constructed – demonstrating your commitment to the completion of the unfinished roads.

Your political posture and eloquence qualify you for leadership in the highest office. Your level of tolerance is magnificent since you took office,” he said.