Bribery and Corruption

By CORRESPONDENT  

In its 2007 report, Transparency International (TI) revealed that during the previous three years, Malawi slipped 28 steps down the line on its Corruption Perception Index.

Although the Malawi Government trashed the report describing it unrealistic and branded TI ‘the most corrupt’, basic knowledge tells us that over the years corruption has progressively become wilder in the country.
 For instance, statistics estimate that Malawi had been losing about K22 million annually through corrupt practices. Additionally, the 2002 country studies conducted by TI in more than 30 African countries placed Malawi 11th on the corruption ladder and 35th worldwide, out of 102 countries examined. Actually, in that year it was ranked fifth out of nine most corrupt African nations.

Intellectuals have interpreted corruption in different forms and accorded it assorted meanings. But regardless of the different meanings and interpretations, corruption entails the abuse or misuse of public office for selfish and personal gains.
 
When President Bingu wa Mutharika took over power in 2004, he declared a zero-tolerance policy on corruption.

The president’s enthusiasm to resolutely fight corruption has been evident in his public speeches where he has repeatedly stated: “I will not relent until the roots of corruption have been pulled out from our nation. "Corruption takes place everywhere.”