MALAWI: Mutharika Dismisses Rumours, Says Focus Remains on Economy and Service Delivery

By Smile Hamilton

President Peter Mutharika says he will not be distracted by what he has described as false reports about the Presidency, insisting that his administration remains focused on restoring Malawi’s economic stability and improving public service delivery.

The President was responding to recent reports suggesting that he delegated a cabinet minister to chair a Cabinet meeting which he had convened on May 27, 2026.

In a statement signed by Chief Secretary to the Government and Cabinet, Dr. Justin Saidi, Mutharika said his attention remains firmly on addressing the country’s economic challenges and strengthening the delivery of public services to Malawians.

The statement stressed that the President would not allow rumours and speculation to interfere with the execution of his constitutional duties.

“No amount of rumour-mongering will compel the President to act otherwise,” the statement said, adding that Mutharika is “not a ceremonial president.”

On the issue of delegating responsibilities, the statement explained that the President assigns representation to the most relevant and appropriate official depending on the nature and objectives of a particular assignment.

“Such decisions are not motivated by malice, indifference, or ill-will, but are deliberate measures aimed at promoting governance and reducing unnecessary public expenditure,” the statement added.

The Presidency has since maintained that its decisions are guided by principles of effective governance and prudent use of public resources, dismissing suggestions that delegation of duties reflects a lack of engagement by the Head of State.