By Cedrick Nkungula – Malawi Exclusive
Malawi President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has advised the newly sworn in justices of the Supreme Court to have courage and let nothing but the constitution move them in their determinations on the bench.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of four justices of the Supreme Court at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe on Friday, Chakwera said it is only the constitution that has authority over them in the discharge of their duties.
The president said events in the past five years have shown that independence of the Supreme Courts around the world has come under heavy asault threatening to undermine the rule of law.
“Remember that almost every decision you make on the supreme bench will be disagreeable to someone and so you cannot afford to sacrifice justice on the altar of political correctness or popularity or personal gain,” said the president.
“Your pledge is to the constitution the supreme law of our land and as long as you make that your standard, your court will continue being worthy of being called supreme.”
Chakwera said there is much work to be done to consolidate respect for the independence of governance institutions even in advanced and developed nations.
“So this is one area we in Malawi must resolve to lead the world by example,” said the president.
Chakwera has since pledged that he will always guard for the independence of courts in the country.
“You will never hear me say anything to the public against a decision you make from the bench even when that decision is unfavorable to my administration,” he emphasized.
The four are Sylvester Kalembera, Dingiswayo Madise, Rowland Mbvundula and Dorothy Nyakaunda Kamanga.