Defence Minister praises Chakwera for assenting to Defence Forces Bill
Minister of Defence Hon Harry Mlekanjala Mkandawire has thanked the Malawi President Dr Lazarus Mc Cathy Chakwera for signing of the bills among others the Malawi Defence Forces bill.
The new legislation is crucial because it brings changes in the functional operations, and administration of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF). Hence Mkandawire has poured his gratitude to the president.
“I am thankful that His Excellency President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera has promptly assented to Bill No. 12 of 2023: Defence Forces, which I presented in Parliament on Thursday, 13th April, 2023,” Mkandawire said.
Among others, the Bill provides for the establishment of the offices of the Commander, Deputy Commander and Service Commanders and their powers and functions, the establishment of the Defence Force High Command and its powers and functions as well as establishment of directorates, military colleges, the Commissions Board, the military police, the office of Inspector General of the Defence Force and the General Commander and a Staff Council to facilitate administration, recruitment, training, discipline and operational efficiency of the Defence Force.
The Bill also provides for the process and grounds for exiting the Defence Force, which includes: retirement, resignation, discharge and dismissal from service by order of a court-martial or the High Court; operational matters of the Defence Force and these include billeting, requisitioning of motor vehicles, aircraft and vessels, and cooperation with defence forces of other countries.
Furthermore, establishment of the Malawi National Service will spur economic activities for instance production of agriculture produce.
Mkandawire was optimistic that the new law has come at a right time to enable MDF deliver its operations effectively.
“I strongly believe that, the law will facilitate expansion, and growth of the MDF to enable it effectively and efficiently deliver its constitutional mandate,” Mkandawire said
