President Bingu wa Mutharika Strikes Reconciliatory Tone

No podium-bashing.
No angry bouts.
No donor-bashing.
No opposition-bashing.

Today, Malawi's President, Bingu wa Mutharika, opened the 23rd International Trade Fair a different man, as he moved from his usual tendency of turning the Trade Fair into a foe-bashing zone.
Instead, Mutharika concentrated on business and trade issues- asking government ministries and departments to start offering universities research projects.
"Elsewhere, be it in the United States of America, Japan, Bangladesh, economies developed because they utilised university institutions. We mast start doing the same in Malawi."
Mutharika's tone has surprised observers. Former colonial master Britain has just announced that it is withholding aid from Malawi. Germany, Norway have expressed similar intentions.
Fuel shortages continue to trouble all facets of life, while most public hospitals have run out of drugs.
Mutharika could not afford to be boastiful.
Malawi is in sombre mood.