The Islamic Commission for Justice and Freedom (ICJF) has commended President Professor Peter Mutharika for what it describes as efforts to safeguard Malawi’s economy through austerity measures, including a significantly reduced delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
In a statement signed by Chief Commissioner Shaibu Abdul Rahaman Ajassie, the ICJF praised the President for sending five people to the annual UNGA meeting and for assigning the Minister of Foreign Affairs to represent him and Malawi at the international gathering.
“Mr. President, you are a man of the people. For the first time in history, Malawi has sent only five people to UNGA,” Ajassie said.
The commissioner said the decision demonstrated a commitment to responsible management of public resources at a time when the country is seeking to protect its economy.
Ajassie contrasted the current delegation with previous UNGA trips, which he claimed involved significantly larger numbers of people.
“In the past, we have seen a President taking more than 145 people on such trips. They used to take chiefs, relatives, party members just for leisure,” he said.
He further alleged that some individuals who travelled on such trips remained in the United States and did not return to Malawi, arguing that such practices affected the country’s relationship with the United States.
The ICJF has also called on government institutions, companies and the business community to emulate what it considers prudent financial management by the current administration.
“We are asking Government institutions, companies and the business community to emulate the good example of our Leader in the management of our country’s economy,” Ajassie said.
The commissioner also linked the President’s current approach to remarks he said Professor Mutharika made during his swearing-in ceremony at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on October 4, 2025.
According to Ajassie, the President said ministers appointed to his government should regard their positions as an opportunity to serve Malawians rather than as an opportunity for personal benefit.
“He said that anyone appointed as a MINISTER in his government should not think that it is time for feasting, but time to serve Malawians,” Ajassie said.
He added that the ICJF believes the President’s approach places the welfare of Malawians at the centre of government decision-making.
“Finally, the Islamic Commission for Justice and Freedom (ICJF) thanks the President of this country for putting the lives of Malawians first,” Ajassie said.
The statement concluded with a prayer for the President and an expression of support for Malawi, democracy and the country’s development.
“May God bless you and give you long life so that the dream of changing things in this country is fulfilled,” Ajassie said.
