Mangochi Sheikhs Accuse Speaker Suleman of Pressuring Them to Hold Anti-DPP Press Conference

By Jack McAdams

Muslim clerics in Mangochi have accused Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman of allegedly pressuring them to organise a press conference aimed at criticising the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government.

The allegations come amid an escalating war of words between Suleman and the governing party, with tensions rising over the Speaker’s public criticism of the government.

Some sheikhs who were reportedly approached have confided to this publication that they were offered K20 million to hold a press conference accusing the DPP administration of marginalising Muslims in government appointments and decision-making.

However, the clerics reportedly rejected the offer.

Meanwhile, Muslim Association of Malawi spokesperson and prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Dinala Chabulika has distanced himself from what he described as political propaganda intended to create animosity between Muslims and the government.

Chabulika defended the administration of President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, arguing that Muslims have been appointed to several influential positions within government.

“Let me applaud the Professor Peter Mutharika government for appointing several Muslims to key positions. Chief among them is Speaker Sameer Suleman himself, who heads one of the three branches of government, the Legislature,” Chabulika said.

He cited Attorney General Counsel Frank Mbeta and Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) Chief Executive Officer Engineer William Kaipa as other prominent appointments, saying the list of Muslims serving in senior government positions was extensive.

“I therefore urge President Mutharika to continue considering Muslims for senior positions as he deems fit,” he added.

Asked about reports that some sheikhs had been approached to spearhead a campaign against the DPP-led government, Chabulika said he was unaware of the alleged plan but condemned the practice if the reports proved true.

“I haven’t heard anything to that effect. But if it is true, then it is very unfortunate. As Muslims, we refuse to be drawn into the politics of character assassination and mudslinging,” he said.

Suleman has recently been in the headlines over his allegations of corruption against the government, deepening the public dispute between the Speaker and the governing DPP.

The government, however, has so far refrained from engaging in a public confrontation with the Speaker, maintaining its distance from an increasingly bitter political exchange.

The allegations surrounding the purported K20 million offer could add another dimension to the dispute, particularly if questions emerge over attempts to mobilise religious leaders in what is becoming an increasingly polarised political debate.