Director General for the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Martha Chizuma has said faith based organizations (FBO) have all the necessary tools to reach out to people in the fight against corruption.
Chizuma made the sentiments at Hippo View Lodge in Liwonde on Friday when leaders of the countrys FBOs had a planning meeting organized by the ACB.
She said those who were indulging in corrupt practices were coming from the churches and mosques and most of the times they come with money which they claim has been blessed.
Chizuma added that the FBOs are the right channel in the fight against corruption.
She said the existence of corrupt behaviours in a society is a sign of moral decadence as such FBOs need to revive moral values and conduct amongst their followers.
“The people who do the corrupt practices come from churches and mosques. They even come with a lot of money from corrupt practices and tell the religious leaders that they have been blessed. The church or the mosques receive the money and use it although it comes from corrupt practices.
“Therefore, if the churches and mosques condemn such practices and sensitise their followers on the evils of corruption, then the country will be freed from the malpractices,” said Chizuma.
Muslim Association of Malawi spokesperson, Sheikh Dinala Chabulika concurred with Chizuma, proposing that the incorporation of issues on the effects of corruption on education institutions like primary schools, madrassa, colleges and universities.
Chabulika observed that if the religious institutions instilled discipline and a spirit of patriotism to children, the country will have responsible citizens who will not entertain corruption practices.
“It is true that as faith based organizations, we have a crucial role to play in the fight against corruption. However, we need to start treating it at a very tender age by introducing the syllabus which will explain the evil of corruption to the young ones.
“We need to start talking about the evils of corruption is schools, madrassa, universities so that the future should be free from the vice,” said Chabulika, adding that intensified national prayers were also necessary.
