Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman has launched a scathing attack on corruption, warning that the theft of public funds intended for poor Malawians is undermining development and deepening hardship among the country’s most vulnerable citizens.
Speaking at a Dawah event organised by the City Centre Masjid Committee in Lilongwe on Saturday, Suleman delivered one of his strongest public condemnations of graft, accusing unnamed individuals of siphoning off resources meant to improve people’s lives.
In a hard-hitting address, the Speaker said corruption had become a major obstacle to national progress, arguing that dishonest practices were preventing Malawi from delivering prosperity to its citizens.
“The Holy Qur’an provides punishment for those who are found guilty of stealing,” Suleman told worshippers, stressing the need for accountability in the management of public resources.
He reserved particular criticism for the alleged misuse of funds intended for fertiliser programmes designed to support poor farming households.
“People are stealing public funds meant to buy fertiliser for poor Malawians, but if someone speaks against it, some people are busy trying to remove such a person,” he said.
The remarks are likely to fuel debate over the management of agricultural support programmes, an area that has already attracted public scrutiny and political controversy in recent months.
Without naming any individuals, Suleman also alleged that some people were exercising influence beyond their official responsibilities and claimed that relatives of powerful figures were benefiting from the alleged theft of money earmarked for development projects.
His comments are expected to intensify discussion about corruption and accountability at a time when graft remains one of the country’s most contentious political issues.
Drawing on Islamic teachings, the Speaker urged Malawians not to remain silent when public resources intended for the poor are being misused.
“Islam teaches us that if you die fighting for the poor, Allah will grant you a great reward in Jannah. As such, we need to aim for that,” he said.
The speech amounted to a direct appeal for citizens to defend public resources and stand up for disadvantaged communities, placing the struggle against corruption at the heart of the country’s development agenda.
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