Copyright mwnation
Allow me to comment about politics as I am apolitical. We are in that season when people position themselves with a new government for recognition. Many have been seen overly smiling at President Peter Mutharika since he assumed power, almost polishing his shoes or cleaning walls at his Page House in Mangochi. Some would willingly slash grass or simply sit at his porch the whole day for a possible: ‘It has pleased his Excellency to appoint…’ After all, would one be seen if they stay far away? Will they be remembered? Lazarus Chakwera faced a similar predicament. Perhaps these are the lesser evil compared to political fugitives. I am referring to those who have a backlog of criminal cases and find solace in boot-licking politicians to be shielded. These annoy me and I am sure many other Malawians feel the same way, but lack a platform to express their frustrations. Here are reckless Malawians who broke the law ranging from murder, theft of public or private coffers or rape with the hope of being shielded by the political system. Well, it is the system that must be blamed for having set a precedent somewhere along the line, in giving these crooks the assurance of their protection. We have witnessed the pardon of politically connected criminals, some of whom were bailed mid-way sentences or in the course of their cases. The common tactic has been to seek adjournments on technicalities while buying time for the affluent. Eventually, those cases die or are ‘forgotten’ with the influence of a regime. For five years, they bask in the temporary glory of freedom, with hypotension rising at the close of an election. They will jeer for particular politicians not because they are convinced about any of their ideologies, but simply safeguarding their freedom. They will, therefore, waste no time to jump ship in the event of a loss of their ‘protectors’. Soon, they begin to worship the new masters in town till their usefulness ends at the end of a tenure. Why is this nation entertaining political fugitives, those opportunists who hide behind the ruling party colours to evade the long arm of the law? Don’t politicians see they are being used? Why isn’t anybody talking about it or why are they not rejected by those political parties for who they are? Are the other politicians simply safeguarding their tomorrow in case they join the bandwagon of worshipping masters for freedom? Look, there are many intelligent people in this country who shouldn’t simply look away. Even the media rushes to capture the moment one foolish, law breaking individual discards one political cloth for another when they have nothing to offer the voter and tax payer. They utilise the podium to justify their move to jump ship after disagreeing with policies of the leaders they are dumping. The million dollar question is: at what point did they realise they were in a wrong camp, toying with an idiotic leader? It is exactly how a driver changes a right signal for a left at an intersection upon noticing the presence of a traffic police stop. They are wanting in one or more traffic requirements. The turn was necessitated to avoid questions and possible fine. Can everyone be treated in accordance with their reputation and slate please? If these fugitives are dented, let them face the music and stop hiding behind political party loyalty. If innocent, let them follow the same route. Can they be smoked out please? Everyone wants justice, including those people who were wronged.
