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| National |
| Chilumpha goes reconciliatory |
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by
Willie Zingani, 24 May 2005
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14:20:07
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Vice President Cassim Chilumpha has called on President Bingu wa Mutharika and UDF national chair Bakili Muluzi to reconcile for Malawi to forge ahead.
Chilumpha said people are concerned that the rift between the two is deepening every day, adding that even donors have expressed fear with the political fight.
“My own position is that Malawians should give peace chance,” said Chilumpha in an interview in Lilongwe on Monday.
He said all political leaders should work towards peace regardless of their affiliation and set their minds on serious problems affecting the country.
Chilumpha pointed out that it was shameful for political leaders to waste time on political bickering when the next general elections will be in four years time.
Commenting on the remarks he made during the burial of Zomba Thondwe MP Dumbo Lemani on Saturday where he also stated that politics of vengeance would not be helpful to development, Chilumpha said Malawians were curious that instead of discussing the looming hunger and the state of the Malawi’s economy, the DPP and UDF camps are in the war of words.
He said it was not necessary for him to make a public statement on why he has not joined President Mutharika’s DPP because be believes the right thing for now is for people to work together.
Chilumpha said Dumbo’s funeral was an opportunity for Bingu and Muluzi camps to demonstrate the spirit of forgiveness after a year of political tension.
He maintained that a politician of Lemani’s status deserved a state funeral, citing what the Muluzi regime offered to Mapopa Chipeta, Matembo Mzunda and Mekki Mtewa.
“When one considers the way Dumbo Lemani fought for multiparty democracy in this country, indeed it is my personal view that he warranted the respect other politicians were given,” said Chilumpha.
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