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President Bingu wa Mutharika is right when he says government never recognised first president the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda in the past because UDF was not prepared to glorify an adversary during the first 10 years of its rule, the party.
UDF publicity secretary Humphrey Mvula was reacting to Mutharika’s decision to revert to Kamuzu names for some institutions and statements on Wednesday that Kamuzu cannot be erased from history books.
“Actually the President is right that UDF never recognised Kamuzu during its first 10-year rule. This is because we dislodged Kamuzu from power and we could not start glorifying him immediately,” said Mvula.
He said if another party takes over from the UDF, it will not start glorifying the party immediately.
“We look at MCP as a competitor party and it is difficult to start praising them,” said Mvula.
Mvula said it is easy for Mutharika to make the statements and decisions on Kamuzu because there is now separation of powers between the party and the state.
“He is standing aloof of party politics and it is easy for him to make statements and decisions on Kamuzu. But it could have been difficult for him if he was doubling as a party president and head of state because the party interest would not allow him to praise an adversary,” added Mvula.
He, however, said the UDF has recognised some good things that the MCP did and that is why they have worked with John Tembo, Gwanda Chakuamba and Hetherwick Ntaba who were power houses in the MCP.
Chairman of Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) Rodgers Newa said in a separate interview Thursday the UDF leadership in the past 10 years was myopic.
“The UDF leadership for the past 10 years could not differentiate between the party and state and the country ended up losing a lot of state resources. We welcome the new regime which is professional and focused. It is a positive departure from the Muluzi regime,” said Newa.
Newa praised Mutharika on his decisions on Kamuzu, saying he has looked at issues objectively.
About three weeks ago, Mutharika ordered that Chichiri Stadium, Lilongwe International Airport and Lilongwe Central Hospital revert to their original names of Kamuzu Stadium, Kamuzu International Airport and Kamuzu Central Hospital which were changed by the previous administration.
Many UDF members are not happy with the change of names, saying Mutharika should have consulted the party before announcing his decision to change the names.
The Muluzi regime also promised to build a mausoleum for the late Kamuzu but the project never materialised and Mutharika has promised to source funds for the project.
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