Renowned human rights and governance advocate Undule Mwakasungula has applauded President Lazarus Chakwera for combining the ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, saying these are one and the same.

According to him, the new minister Sosten Gwengwe will have big a task of reviving the economy with more sound people-centered strategies with the support of others.

“Delinking economic planning and development from the previous holder will give more opportunity now for the new minister and ministry to focus on planning for the revival of our economy,” said Mwakasungula.

He has further hailed the President for appointing, Ibrahim Matola as Minister of Energy, whom he described as a hard working person.

“I have also seen women being featured in the new cabinet and more featuring are Nancy Tembo as Foreign Affairs Minister and Jean Sendeza as Homeland Security Minister.

“These are key ministries and is a big plus in the involvement of women in national positions,” he said.

Mwakasungula also noted that as a commitment to fight corruption the new cabinet does not feature faces of those under corruption probe.

“This is another indication that he is serious in fighting corruption. Am sure this will give a plus and hope to Malawians,” he said.

The new cabinet ministers are expected to be sworn in soon.