Malawi federalism zealots vow to fight on: PAC ‘survey’ trashed

The Forum for the Advancement of Federal System of Government and Rural Development in Malawi (FAFESRUDEM) says the quasi-religious organisation Public Affairs Committee (PAC)   has no legal mandate to regulate and determine debate on calls for adoption of federal system of government in the country.

Bina Shaba (right) presents the petition on federalism
Bina Shaba (right) presents the petition on federalism

FAFESRUDEM has since distanced itself from statements, conclusions and recommendations made by PAC during the national follow up conference on federalism and inclusivity on December 10.

During the national follow-up conference on federalism and inclusivity, PAC announced that 64 percent of Malawians, who were consulted on the issue of federalism, rejected the federal system of government being advocated mainly by some individuals and political leaders from the north.

FAFESRUDEM said in statement that PAC’s pronouncements are misleading and inconsistent with the context and content of actual report of the interfaith organization.

“FAFESRUDEM considers PAC as a mere interest group without constitutional mandate, let alone legal powers to umpire, direct, regulate and determine the debate on the need to introduce federal system of government in Malawi,” reads the statement in part.

The statement has been signed by its president Dr Bina Shawa, his deputy Ipyana Nthakomwa, Secretary Luke Thawe, Spokesperson Dan Msowoya and their Technical Advisor Professor Fred Msiska.

The statement further described PAC as deceitful and trying to usurp state authority for its own agenda by bestowing upon itself the role of a demagoguery umpire on the federalism debate.

According to them, federal system of government is one sure means of guaranteeing and protecting the rights of minority groups in Malawi.

“FAFESRUDEM is now even more galvanized and determined to proceed with the sensitization program among the grassroots; and to pursue the long standing quest for direct dialogue with the State, under a totally new and objective mediator,” reads the statement in our possession.

But PAC spokesperson Father Peter Mulomole said they are not ready to argue with any individual or organizations failing to come to terms with its findings.

Mulomole also faulted FAFESRUDEM for using “hostile language” and for disputing views of Malawians who were engaged during the national and regional consultative conferences.

“It is not in our best interest to be arguing with individuals or organizations on the matter. Yes, we don’t have the legal mandate, but we have the moral capital or moral power to facilitate debate on any issue for the betterment of our country.

“This is the same moral capital that we used to enter into a dialogue with late Kamuzu Banda’s presidential committee on dialogue in the transition period from the one-party to multiparty system of government.

He therefore said they only shared the views of Malawians who observed that there are already on going reform efforts that need to be harnessed and reinvigorated for authorities to effectively respond to the issues that motivated calls for federal system of government.

“Malawians did not reject federal system of government, but they only suggested for progressive devolution within a unitary scheme. They said no federal system of government for the time being.

“Our study was done professionally and the findings were applauded by all the stakeholders, including the delegates. Maybe this people don’t know the background of PAC and its moral power. They should go back to our history. I have respect for Mr. Dan Msowoya and Professor Fred Msiska, but their statement is cheap with hostile language and very unfortunate to describe PAC as deceitful,” said Mulomole.

On FAFESRUDEM’s call to have an audience the President on the same, PAC Spokesperson said federalism advocates should pursue debate among the grassroots other than engaging the president, an employee of Malawians.

PAC, founded in 1992, is an umbrella body for major faith communities represented in Malawi by the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM), Quadria Muslim Association of Malawi (QMAM), Malawi Council of Churches (MCC), Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM) and the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

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Owen Singini
Owen Singini
8 years ago

Many of those against federation are clearly ignorant of what a federal government is, or that they simply want to perpetuate the oppression of the minority in every aspect of life In Malawi.

miken
miken
8 years ago

why you are saying a tumbuka?
fedaralism is not Regionalism ,federalism is the way how you can run the goverment,
not a tumbuka

Asiyileni Nailuwa
Asiyileni Nailuwa
8 years ago

Away with your so called federalism animal,fight hunger.poverty etc looming in the country then advocate for it later. I wish this nonsense could be allowed so that all the northerners be driven to their region first then start afresh. Aliyense apite kaye kwawo (region yache) nafenso kuno tipeze job zabwino,we are equally educated like yourselves but northern bosses are denying us jobs. mwachulukitsa ma northerners kuno. Guys admit them, but they must go to their region asatikwane anthu opondereza anzawo amenewa. Munthu akuchokera ku north without experience kuphunzitsidwa ntchito same qualification koma akaidziwa kukhala bwana wanu n’kumanyadanso mu corridor. Please… Read more »

LYABAKOLO
LYABAKOLO
8 years ago

FEDALISM IS VITAL

emmanuel ku Dowa
8 years ago

Anthu openga mwapanga bwanji? Mukuopamo chani mu Federation? Kkkkkikk Apatseni anthu chimene akufuna! Bwanji mwalola anamathanyula mmalovmoti muzaotcha?

Mawa
Mawa
8 years ago

How many Malawians really understand federalism? How did PAC balance people’s knowledge versus their pro or against federalism? What platform was used to get people’s views. The report should rather say 64% of Malawians do not understand federalism. So we should start from there….otherwise I can imagine old people saying so you want the same stupid federation that Kamuzu broke to come back? No. Well, we need more debate on this and based on PAC report there is no basis to close the matter…we carry on…

Mtondoli Jonasi
Mtondoli Jonasi
8 years ago

I’m in USA and federalism works here and USA is Mother of democracy,So why Malawi is scared?

Mtondoli Jonasi
Mtondoli Jonasi
8 years ago

We need federalism we are fed up with current politians in power,Malawi is the only contry that is not moving forward interms of development.Muthalika brothers and Muluzi have killed Malawi.We the northerners we have had enough and it’s high time to part ways.God bless the northerners.

moyo
moyo
8 years ago

federal system? mmmmm…dziko la Malawi laling´ono li…monga lilili. sopanda pake.

Yambani Mulemba
Yambani Mulemba
8 years ago

Bina shawa was my classmate at chanco. He was a poor primary school teacher who came as mature entry. He appeared to all of us in his class as a mentaly ill old man then. In 1990 he was 55 years old and i dont know how old is he now. Probably over 80 years. Can we expect anything good from such mtumbuka? I doubt. Why is letter sign by these old age tumbukas only?

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