Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima has challenged President Peter Mutharika to demonstrate good leadership as the country battles with the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

In his national address on Sunday, Chilima queried Mutharika’s absence from the public domain amid the pandemic.

“Malawi needs a unifying leadership that is not absent, that does not hesitate or shy away from taking responsibility and motivating vigilance and action from duty-bearers and every other citizen,” he said.

Chilima said that the public has lost trust and does not recognize the current leadership as a credible source of information on the pandemic.

“Every announcement and statement from the leadership is met with doubt and suspicion,” he said.

Chilima has since asked President Mutharika to include all stakeholders in the national response against the pandemic.

“President Mutharika should for once demonstrate leadership by inviting opposition party leaders, civil society organisations, religious organisations, captains of industry and even celebrities,” he said.

Meanwhile, University of Livingstonia political lecturer George Phiri says lack of collaboration between President Mutharika and his Vice, Dr. Chilima is affecting the affairs of the country.

Phiri said Chilima’s office has been denied the opportunity to act on issues concerning the fight against coronavirus as it is not recognized by the president.

He said the vice president’s office is a delegated office hence if it is not being recognized and engaged, it leaves a lot to be desired and putting the welfare of Malawians at stake.

Government spokesperson, Mark Botomani, laughed off Chilima’s sentiments on Malawians losing trust in the current regime.

Botomani, however said he could not comment further on the matter as the vice president is also entitled to his opinions.