President Professor Author Peter Mutharika has urged his Minister and Deputies to desist from any act of corruption when executing their day today’s work.

Mutharika said this during the official opening of the Orientation Workshop for Honourable Ministers and Deputy ministers at Sunbird Nkopola Lodge in Mangochi on Monday.

In his speech, Mutharika said Cabinet is the central policy making organ of the Government and it is the only one which is charged with the responsibility of making policy in the country.

“Over the years, I have noted, with great concern, that, often times, Ministers and Deputy Ministers unilaterally approve sectoral policies or, indeed, commit Government to certain major undertakings without involving Cabinet. I will not tolerate it because it is unprofessional and out of order. It ought to stop forthwith”, said Mutharika.

Mutharika added that: “At times, Controlling Officers dupe Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers into approving important policies bypassing Cabinet. As such, Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers should be alert, desist from such malpractice and avoid being duped by Controlling Officers”.

“Bypassing Cabinet is tantamount to denying Cabinet its constitutional right and I will not tolerate it. I will not hesitate to fire any Minister, Deputy Minister or Controlling Officer who deliberately circumvent Cabinet on critical sectoral national policy. Where in doubt please consult the Chief Secretary to the Government for advice”.

The Workshop will run for three days with an aim of equipping the Ministers and Deputies with the required expertise when executing their duties.