Dust is refusing to settle for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) regime under President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika over the current economic challenges rocking the country as Catholic Bishops have released a Pastoral Letter attacking Mutharika in all angles.
The letter was read in all Catholic churches on Sunday across the country and one of the concerns raised in the letter is to do with the abolishment of the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) and Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) Examinations.
In a 23 page letter which faceofMalawi have in possession, the Bishop have accused Mutharika of making a hasty decision is abolishing the exams, saying this will further decline the quality of Education in the country.
“We are concerned about the possible impact of the abolition of Standard 8 and Junior Certificate examinations. We wish there were wider discussions and consultations before such a decision was made. This could dispel fears people have that the Government only wanted to do away with Standard 8 and Junior Certificate exams for economic expediency and not raising the standards of education.
“Again, while appreciating the support the Government renders to the Church-owned schools (primary and secondary), we appeal to the Government to do more by supporting infrastructural development in secondary schools if indeed our youth are “to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily” (CSDC, 164),” reads in part the statement.
The Bishops also questioned Mutharika’s continued contradictions and inconsistencies on certain national issues, citing an example of the tabling of Access to Information Bill (ATI).
The Bishops said it is sad that earlier the President told the general public through MBC TV that he is going to table the bill during the previous sitting of Parliament and later he withdrew the statement, saying the bill has inconsistencies.
“We are concerned with the trend which is almost taking shape of the Government making media statements which are withdrawn immediately after.
“Such decisions have the potential of making people to lose trust and confidence in their own Government. In an instance where the Government stand or policy on certain issues remains obscure, people tend to wonder if at all the Government has any policy, agenda to follow or even sense of direction,” reads the statement in part.
In the statement, the Bishops have further question the decision made by President Mutharika not to employ the trained doctors, saying the development clearly shows that Mutharika is playing with lives of Malawians.
“We appeal the Government to demonstrate that it is in control of the situation and offer the much
needed sense of direction,” read the statement.
