President Dr Lazarus Chakwera has emphasized the importance of integrity in the public service.
He made the remarks when he officially opened the High Court Commercial Division, which is situated along Independence Drive in Blantyre.
Dr Chakwera shared a story about five judges of the Constitutional Court who refused to accept bribes during the 2019 presidential election case, showcasing the power of integrity.
“The number one thing that compromises a person’s integrity is selfishness,” President Chakwera said.
He further pointed out that selfishness can lead individuals to compromise their integrity, even if they are well-educated, respected or popular.
“You don’t have to be an equal person to compromise your integrity in these ways. You can be a decent person… and yet, secretly compromise your own integrity,” he said.
Dr Chakwera therefore urged public servants to protect their integrity and prioritise the law over personal interests.
“Obeying the law is the prevention that is better than the cure.”
President Chakwera also announced plans to establish a Public Sector Integrity Lab to remove elements that induce public servants to compromise their integrity.
“This public sector integrity lab will create a clean and professional civil service. We need to take our development forward,” the Malawi leader remarked.
President Dr Chakwera also highlighted the High Court Commercial Division’s role in promoting economic justice and protecting commercial rights.
Chief Justice Rezine Mzikamanda commended President Chakwera’s commitment to promoting the justice system in Malawi.
Mzikamanda said the construction of the commercial division Court and its operationalisation is one such commitment.
By Mercy Zamawa
