Malawi president says will not shield corruption suspects

LILONGWE, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Malawi President Peter Mutharika has stressed that he will not shield anybody, including his government officials, who are suspected of corruption.

Mutharika made the remarks on Friday during the opening of the 2018/19 national budget session of Parliament at New Parliament Building in the capital, Lilongwe.

"No one is above the law. There is evidence that people in my government can be investigated and prosecuted. There is also evidence that we are containing and reducing corruption," he said.

Budget allocations to the country's institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau and Financial Intelligence Authority have been increased over the years to strengthen the fight against corruption, according to Mutharika.

The president revealed that the government is investigating a total of 1,009 cases of corruption and that out of those cases, 640 were completed. Of the completed cases, 143 were recommended for prosecution.

On national peace and security, the Malawi leader said his government will continue to implement measures to sustain the peace and keep the people safe.

He noted the Malawi Police Service obtained over 100 vehicles to ease mobility challenges and that this has helped increase police visibility throughout the country. Enditem