Saulos Chilima urges for co-existence

By Yohane Symon:

Vice-President Saulos Chilima on Sunday urged politicians to avoid creating divisions in religious groupings in order to gain political mileage.

Chilima was speaking in Mangochi District during Mijal Dawa commemorations, which coincided with celebrations marking 33 years of service for Muft Shamuuna Sosola of Salima District.

“We, as Malawians, should guard jealously the peace we are enjoying in this country. We have examples of how other countries have lost their peace by bringing politics into religion,” Chilima said.

Chilima, who is also UTM party president, advised Malawians not to allow politicians to divide them using religion, tribe or culture, saying this has potential of derailing progress of a particular faith group or the nation.

“All religions are built on the principles of peace and love, which is what we should, at all cost, aim at preserving,” he said.

Organising Chairperson for Dawa, Sheikh Jafali Arabi, said Malawians of different faiths can co-exist and promote national development.

He said, as a religion, Islam is centred on peace and love, pledging to promote co-existence between Muslims and members of other faiths.