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Ruling United Democratic Front running mate and yet to be sworn in Privatisation Minister Cassim Chilumpha has denied reports that he is now using MG 4 registration number on his official vehicle, saying he does not use government vehicles.
He was reacting to a report in Wednesday’s edition of The Nation that indicated that Chilumpha is now using MG 4 previously used by UDF presidential candidate Bingu wa Mutharika
Chilumpha explained he has never used a government vehicle nor used government resources since he left cabinet about three years ago.
“I do not use a government vehicle. Therefore the question of MG 4 does not arise,” said Chilumpha. “I am here at Blantyre Print and Publishing Company, and I use a company car.”
“Since three years ago I have never used a government vehicle. I do not even use government resources,” said Chilumpha. “The one who told you that was not saying the truth. Maybe he was just expressing an intention.”
Government has given the official registration number for first vice president Justin Malewezi’s vehicles, Malawi Government Number 2, to Second Vice President Chakufwa Chihana.
Chihana had the number plate in question on his Merc when he officiated at a Livestock Identification workshop at Sunbird Lilongwe Hotel on Wednesday.
Chihana’s MG3 has since been given to Economic Planning Minister Bingu Mutharika, who is also UDF’s presidential candidate.
Details that Mutharika’s MG4 has been taken by his running mate are the ones being denied by Chilumpha.
Deputy Secretary to the President and Cabinet Bright Msaka officially confirmed the changes on Wednesday.
“Since the first vice president said he was proceeding on leave and would, therefore, not be available for state functions, the changes have been made to close the gap in the protocol lists. Those are protocol numbers,” he said.
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