President Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has challenged Supreme Court Justices to be brave enough and stand for what is right in the course of discharging their duties of upholding the rule of law.
He was speaking on Friday in Lilongwe during the swearing in ceremony for four Justices of the Supreme Court.
Chakwera said as much as it is his office that presides over their swearing in, it is only the Constitution that has the authority over the discharge of their duties.
“The work of a Supreme Court Justice is not for the faint hearted, but for the brave and just, and my encouragement to you, my Lady and my Lords, is to have the courage to let nothing but the Constitution move you in your determinations on the bench.
“At no point in the taking of your oath today did I hear any of you pledge to do what is deemed popular or agreeable or profitable. Your pledge is to the Constitution, the Supreme Law of our land, and as long as you make that your standard against all odds, your Court will continue being worthy of being called Supreme,” he said.
Chakwera has also pledged his will in protecting and ensuring the respect for the independence of the courts at all cost.
“So long as I am President, you will never hear me say anything to the public against a decision you make from the bench, even when that decision is unfavourable to my Administration.
“While the Malawian people are free to express their views on any of your rulings, which is important to maintain public trust in the accountability of the Judiciary as a public institution funded by taxpayers, I believe that my unique responsibility as President is to always promote and protect the independence of your court, and on that you have my word,” he added.