Julius Paipi, a senior Democratic Progressive Party member, has apologised for the anti-Muslim comments he made last month when he described Islam as a religion of violence.
Paipi, who is regional governor for the eastern region for DPP, is reported to have made the anti-Muslim remarks during campaign rallies in Namwera and Makanjira in an attempt to discourage people to vote for Malawi Congress Party vice president Sidik Mia, an ardent muslim.
“I did not say what various people are saying, it is important to know that the whole issue has just been politicized and taken advantage of because of the season we are in, nevertheless, I apologise for the sake of those who really believed that I spoke those words,” said Paipi.
He said that he was raised by a Muslim family hence could never insult the religion which he regards as part of his extended family.
“Personally, I am a firm believer in unity and charity because of my Muslim background, you might not be aware but I was raised by a Muslim family so all these sentiments are mere politics,” he said.
Paipi took advantage of a donation of various food items he made at Kandewu village in the area of Traditional Authority Ganya in Ntcheu district to apologise.
He has been under fire for allegedly warning people of Makanjira in Mangochi against voting into power a party whose vice president belongs to a religion which is known for violence in other countries.
Sheikh Dinala Chabulika, Muslim Association of Malawi (Mam) spokesperson, was happy with Paipi’s apology.
“Well, that shows how humane he (Paipi) is and as believers, we accept his apology for peace and unity to prevail. The only advice not only to Paipi is that politicians should strive to preach peace and co-existance among people of all religions in the country,” Chabulika said.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Everton Chimulirenji said he thought of inviting Paipi to his Ntcheu North East Constituency after he was approached by Muslims at the Mosque for assistance.
He commended Paipi for his humbleness to apologise to the Muslim community in the country and said the gesture promotes coexistence between the state and religious groups.
“You may wish to note that government alone cannot do everything in the society. We appreciate the role religious institutions play in the development of this country and as such we need to work together,” Chimulirenji said.
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