|
|
|
|
| National |
| Mutharika contradicts Muluzi |
|
by
Pilirani Semu-Banda, 13 September 2004
-
11:25:49
|
President Bingu wa Mutharika said on Sunday his government is above the UDF party, contradicting his predecessor Bakili Muluzi’s remarks made on August 1 this year that no government can survive without a political party that ushered it into power.
Ironically, Mutharika spoke against Muluzi’s remarks, which the former President has said several times since August, at a rally in Mangochi where the President honoured the UDF party national chair by naming the newly built bridge in Mangochi: Bakili Muluzi Bridge, and the newly constructed road between Mangochi and Liwonde, the Bakili Muluzi Highway.
“Even the American, government is above the Republican party so every government is above party politics,” said Mutharika.
And Muluzi said after Mutharika’s announcement about the new names of the road and the bridge that he will be grateful to the President all his life because he has clarified to Malawians the relationship between the two of them.
The former President said he is concerned about calls for his arrest in newspapers, saying by making these calls, Malawians are “setting a very dangerous precedence and planting seeds of hatred”.
“I ask you not to go by what your advisors are telling you. I know your personality and know that you appreciate the role I played in supporting you towards presidency,” Muluzi told Mutharika.
UDF regional governor (South) John Chikakwiya had told Mutharika earlier on that he should ensure that there is unity and peace in the country to ensure that he improves the economy.
“You know, people are living in fear now. They don’t know what will happen tomorrow and it’s up to you bwana [big boss] to assure all of us that your relationship with Atcheya [the chairman] will remain cordial,” said Chikakwiya.
At the rally, Mutharika also announced that fertiliser prices have been lowered from K2,100 ($19) per 50 kilogramme bag to K1,400 and that free fertiliser bags distributed to the poor under the starter pack scheme have been increased from 10 kilogrammes to 25 kilogrammes and that the poor will also receive a 5 kg bag of seed.
He also said he has sourced K800 million so that “women, young democrats, and chiefs” receive loans for development. This figure is higher by K300 million from what he had initially promised.
“I don’t just promise, I deliver as well,” said Mutharika.
He said these efforts are aimed at ensuring food security for the nation.
The President also said donors have been withholding aid but that “this is now history” because the World Bank has given Malawi K2.7 billion and that if things go well, the bank will be back in December with another K2.7 billion.
Mutharika said his government will rest on pillars such as economic development, unity, justice and equity, development which does not discriminate on party lines, and peace and security.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
