Malawi Muslims hail JB at Ijtima: ‘Not all will be happy with you’

Muslim Association of Malawi  (MAM) chairperson Sheikh Idrissa Muhammad says the administration of Joyce Banda has tried to uplift Moslems in the country than all its predecessors.

Sheikh Muhammed told Vice President Khumbo Kachali during the Ijtima – largest Muslim gathering – in Blantyre on Sunday, not to expect all Malawians to appreciate all the good things President Joyce Banda’s administration has done within a short time.

“This is the first Government to appoint 6 Muslims as Cabinet Ministers in key and strategic ministries. This has never happened in our history and as Muslims we are very proud and we pledge our support,” said Sheikh Muhammed at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.

The MAM chair was referring to President Joyce Banda’s appointments of Atupele Muluzi as Economic Planning Minister , Sidik Mia as Minister of Transport and Public Works, Dr. Cassim Chilumpha as Energy  and Mining Minister, Uladi Mussa as Home Affairs Minister, and Ibrahim Matola as Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change .

Muhammed used a tale of a father and son who were travelling with a camel and met criticism from people whenever the father rode camel or the son.

“The first group said the father did not love the son. The second group said the son was disrespectful for not allowing the older man to use the camel. When they decided that nobody should ride, they were criticised for not being grateful to God by not utilising the animal.

“The lesson is, do not do anything to please human beings, but God. Human beings will never all appreciate good things. But if you work to please God, many will follow you,” said Muhammed.

Kachali in his remarks said President Banda was grateful for invitations to the Ijtima in Blantyre and next week’s women Ijitima in Mzuzu.

The Vice President said former President of Tanzania Ali Hassan Mwinyi who was invited as a Guest of Honour was “a brother” who works as Head of State cemented Tanzania and Malawi relationiship.

“This years Ijitima communique touches  on issues Government has focused on as its priorities. These include on education, health and need for Malawians even through media to respect and love each other,” said Kachali.

The Vice President said President Banda continues to appoint people from all walks of life and that she will continue to give opportunities to all Malawians without regard to their faith.

“Our Government believes that Moslems have a crucial role to play in development of the country. I wish to pledge Her Excellencys Government support towards this years Hajj that many Malawian Moslems can attend. The same goes with our colleagues who want to attend Hajj in Mbeya, Tanzania to hire two buses which will pay for,” said Kachali.

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