Malawi president declines 80 per cent increase of $3,000 monthly salary

Malawian President Peter Mutharika and his deputy have deferred a controversial pay rise for themselves, a top government official said Sunday. In the new salary structure announced on Saturday, Mutharika, who came to power after defeating Joyce Banda in May elections, was to be paid US$5,263 (2.7 million kwachas) a month. He will now revert to his old salary of 1.5 million kwachas (roughly $3,064). The 80-percent increase for the president had drawn criticism in the impoverished southern African nation whose economy has been struggling. Prior to Mutharika taking office, Western donors had suspended aid worth $150 million because of concerns over graft.

While the proposed salary increase may be justified, the president has decided to forego the increase at this time in solidarity with Malawians who are presently undergoing very tough economic hardship.

George Mkondiwa, chief secretary to the government

Mutharika’s deputy Saulos Chilima, who was to be paid 1.8 million kwachas, reverts to his old salary of 1.0 million. Pay cheques for the poor southern African country’s 20 ministers will however remain intact, having jumped to $3,000 from $1,150, plus benefits including $1,600 in fuel allowances. The 193 lawmakers who make up the Malawi parliament will be getting $1,150 per month, nearly five times their earlier pay of $242. They will also get $1,600 in fuel allowances. In contrast, the country’s 170,000 public servants earn $100 a month on average. Nearly half of the country’s 15 million citizens earn less than a dollar a day.

Africa Malawi