|
|
|
|
| National |
| Wadi’s fate Tuesday |
|
by
Gedion Munthali, 10 August 2004
-
09:30:44
|
Newly appointed Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Ishmael Wadi is appearing before the public appointments committee of Parliament on Tuesday afternoon to market himself and sell his credentials to the committee that he is the right man for the post.
Wadi, 32, the youngest appointee to the post in the country’s history, confirmed on Monday he will meet the committee chaired by Dedza South West MP Kate Kainja (MCP) at 3 PM.
Officials at Parliament said the meeting will take place in one of the committee rooms within the Parliament building.
“Yes, it is true Mr Wadi will be appearing before the committee tomorrow for sort of an interview. After that the committee will consider whether or not he is the right person for the post based on what they gather during the meeting with him. Then it will confirm him or not,” said the official.
The appointment effected a couple of weeks ago has attracted mixed reactions. Some have questioned his age and experience for the post but the former private practice lawyer has defended himself that he has the mettle to perform in the office.
Kainja could not be reached on Monday to state what exactly the committee will be looking for in Wadi, who has already stepped on the toes of some politicians, notably UDF secretary general Kennedy Makwangwala, who is always in the press attacking the young public prosecutor.
Meanwhile, sources said some sections of the UDF are going around trying to convince other parties to reject Wadi’s appointment following their fallout with President Bingu wa Mutharika who chose him.
According to the source, the UDF members in question have so far drawn a blank from a few parties they have so far contacted.
Main opposition MCP, with the highest representation on the committee, declined to comment on Monday.
“I think you will bear with me that I should not give my comment on that issue,” said spokesman Binton Kutsaira on Monday.
However, a source in MCP said the party will make its decision based on its own assessment of Wadi not under the sway of UDF internal squabbles.
MCP has six MPs, seconded by UDF with four, two independents, and one each from Republican, PPM, Aford and Petra.
UDF spokesman Ken Lipenga could not be reached for comment on Monday.
But some sources within UDF feel Wadi’s confirmation, if it will be done, is likely not to be supported by ruling party representatives on the committee.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
