LILONGWE, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has said he will soon announce a "leaner" cabinet focused on maximizing the country's limited resources.
Chakwera made the remarks in his New Year message that was broadcast on local television stations Sunday evening, saying the "new configuration" of his cabinet is at an advanced stage and his office will make an announcement later in the month.
The president said Malawians should expect a leaner cabinet focused on improving public service delivery; fast-tracking public works projects under construction; and unlocking the sectors of the country's economy that have the greatest potential for inclusive growth and shared prosperity, especially agriculture, tourism, and mining.
"In short, what you will see is a Cabinet focused on delivery. This is because I believe that giving our energies and resources a renewed focus on delivery is necessary for us as a nation this year in order to sustain and expedite our progress on the path of economic recovery that we embarked on a year ago," said the Malawian leader.
Chakwera said his office will, in the week, announce names of those he has appointed to serve as members of the Presidential Private Sector Council, which the president described as "a group of respected private sector leaders" he will be interacting with directly and regularly to appreciate the effectiveness of the country's economic policies in creating jobs and wealth.
He also urged Malawians to watch out for corruption, adding that he will make further orders on the fight once the president is done with the report to be submitted by the Commission of Inquiry into the "irregular arrest" of Anti-Corruption Bureau Director General Martha Chizuma in December. ■