Atupele Muluzi statement on his resignation from Malawi cabinet
It is with enormous regret that I with immediate effect resign from the post of Minister of Economic Planning & Development.
I joined the government in good faith and with hopes of shared common values, beliefs, vision and appreciation of political plurality. I thus felt a moral responsibility to assist the government in paving an optimal path towards rectifying the political and economic decline largely attributable to mismanagement by previous dispensations and restoring, in some measure, the credibility and confidence that was subsequently lost. Neglect of these issues could have jeopardised the evolution of our fragile multiparty democracy and condemned Malawians to continued misery emanating from the throes of abject poverty.
An inclusive Cabinet government entails working in collective unison to secure economic recovery and harmonise our divisive politics. I was thus appalled and mortified by the public comments recently uttered against me by some members of the government in a manner that lacked the courtesy, mutual respect and dignity that is expected between colleagues who strive together in pursuit of a common cause – to serve the people of Malawi selflessly and to the best of one’s abilities.
I therefore as a matter of principle, do not believe that I can continue to serve as a Member of the Cabinet with the honour and dignity that is requisite for the performance of such duties and responsibilities incumbent with such a position.
I am immensely grateful to her Excellency The President Mrs. Joyce Banda for giving me the opportunity to serve in her cabinet and the people of Malawi within my modest capacity. I am also grateful to the Deputy Minister, P.S and Staff at the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development for their support during my time as Minister.
I would like to assure all Malawians of my undiluted commitment towards the improved well being of all our people.
Dignity is the most precious treasure of every human being
*Atupele Muluzi, Member of Parliament for Machinga Noth East
12th November 2012
