Vice President Saulos Chilima has called on Malawians to desist from the tendency of worshiping their leaders which he said makes the leaders lose focus on their core duties of governing the country.

Chilima said this on Saturday in Ntcheu during a thanksgiving mass at Nsipe Catholic Parish, saying the habit by Malawians in making leaders into demi gods has resulted in destroying good leaders in the past.

“I would like to point out one weakness which is in people once they elect someone into office, they start to worship that person and giving him names like saviour which is not on. We have had good leaders, but the way they are treated changes them,” said Chilima.

The Vice President further asked Malawians not to applaud their leaders anyhow regardless whether what they are doing is right or not, but to be bold enough to stand up and say when things go wrong.

“We should learn a new way of doing things. This time I am asking you people to only clap hands for us when we talk sensible things, because when we lose track you are the first to complain. Let us learn to be responsible for our every action,” he said.

Chilima said with the election period over it is now time for all Malawians to bring their energy together in working towards developing the country regardless of one’s political affiliation.

“The task of developing this country is for all us. Each one of us pays tax and as such every one of us deserves a share of the development in this country no matter which party he identifies with,” the country’s Vice President said.

He also assured Malawians that the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would keep its promises through delivery as stipulated in the party’smanifesto.
“We will do all we can to make sure we deliver what is needed for Malawians. We agreed with the President Prof. Peter Mutharika that in 2019 we will not campaign because of what we will do in these five years; our work will speak for itself. In 2029 it will be a walk over,” he said with booming confidence.

Fr. Gerald Bwemba, Parish Priest for Nsipe Parish said with the elections behind the real job of developing Malawi now should begin.

“I want to ask you not to leave out anyone as you serve the people of Malawi, look at everyone as your own child. As people of Nsipe parish where you come from we are hopeful that you will do us proud by doing what is right for all Malawians,” said Bwemba.