By Draxon Maloya

BLANTYRE – The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Secretary General Peter Mukhitho has cautioned public office holders against using their positions in ways that could create competing centres of authority or weaken the government’s ability to govern. 

In a statement issued on Thursday September 3, Mukhitho acknowledged Parliament’s constitutional independence and oversight role but stressed that “all arms of government must respect their respective mandates”. 

The remarks, however, have drawn criticism, with the Speaker of the National Assembly recently raising concerns on pressing national issues including the Salima water project, electricity supply, NOCMA, passport services, delayed judgments, prison conditions, mining, and agriculture. 

Mukhitho, a former Inspector General of Police and lawyer by profession, insisted that such matters “deserve proper scrutiny but should be handled through institutions constitutionally and legally mandated to investigate and take corrective action.”

He further emphasized that where contracts, public finances, or procurement are involved, competent authorities must establish facts and act where wrongdoing is proven. 

“The DPP also maintained that Parliament should exercise its oversight role, while the Executive must be allowed to govern and the Judiciary must remain independent,” Mukhitho said.

He added that President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s administration was given a mandate by Malawians to deliver development, and that mandate should be respected. 

Meanwhile, the party has urged members to remain united and disciplined, focusing on restoring essential public services, strengthening national institutions, and improving the lives of Malawians.