Atupele recognises Bingu positives, plan to spur Malawi growth

United Democratic Front (UDF) 2014 presidential hopeful Atupele Muluzi on Sunday addressed thousands of supporters in Chiradzulu and said he plans to spur economic growth if Malawians will give him the mandate to rule during next year’s tripartite elections.

Atupele could not proceed to TA Chitera’s area to address thousands of supporters who had converged there due to heavy rains that had made the roads impassable.

He then went to St Michaels Primary School in Chiradzulu central constituency. From there the UDF presidential candidate went to the main venue at Masanjala in Chiradzulu east constituency.

Jubiliant supporters lined up all the way to Masanjala and the UDF 2014 torch bearer was forced to make unscheduled stops as enthusiastic supporters demanded to hear his words. This caused a delay as he only arrived at Masanjala at 16.45pm.

Atupele Muluz: The hope and change candidate.
Atupele Muluz: The hope and change candidate addressing supporters in Chiradzulo

Despite the delay, he was accorded a tumultuous welcome by party supporters and officials who had been anxiously waiting for him. This is the first time that the UDF leader has visited Chiradzulu district for a public rally since assuming leadership of the party at the National Conference last year.

Hail ex-leaders

Atupele surprised the crowd when he gave credit to the contribution that all former Presidents of Malawi including late Professor Bingu wa Mutharika for his vision and contribution to the development of this country.

“Not all that they did was bad,” he pointed out.

“There were certain things that they did wrong, but certainly there are also things that they did right,” said the youthful presidential candidate who turns 35 in August this year.

“As a country we must be objective and look at the areas that these leaders [Kamuzu Banda, Bakili Muluzi and Bingu wa Mutharika] did well and build on them.

“However, we must never repeat the same mistakes that have caused misery to the people of Malawi,” said Atupele.

Offers hope

Atupele said he plans to offer a plausible and pragmatic path to a more energized private sector, the essential element in reviving a robust economy that builds jobs, raises individual incomes and rewards innovation.

The UDF president said he understands the value of free enterprise, appreciates its utterly unique ability to alleviate poverty, unleash creative endeavor and spread wealth.

“I would like to propose that our Government immediately begins to equip and support our entrepreneurs and businesses to compete on a global platform and in order for them to create much needed jobs for our school leavers and young people,” said Atupele who resigned as Economic Planning Minister in Joyce Banda administration on principle.

He also said there is urgent need to reduce the heavy Government borrowing that is crowding the private sector growth.

“The resultant base lending rates upwards of 35% per annum currently prevailing in the country’s banking sector are not conducive for the private sector,” he observed.

He also touted the ‘agenda for change’, saying “we need a different type of mindset altogether if things in Malawi must change.”

Atupele said he is prepared to form a government that must do more to address poverty and seek policies that help the country’s poor share in economic growth.

His emphasis was on delivering a new agenda for Malawi, 50 years after independence.

Real deal

UDF secretary general Kandi Padambo, who described Atupele as “real deal” for Malawi, touted the youthful presidential candidate as a man of character, a problem-solver, a turnaround specialist.

He said “Malawi needs President Atu”.

Atupele on whistle stop tour in Chiradzulo
Atupele on whistle stop tour in Chiradzulo
Atupele's Agenda for change gaining ground: Supporters in Chiradzulo
Atupele’s Agenda for change gaining ground: Supporters in Chiradzulo
UDF supporters in Chiradzulu at Atupele rally
UDF supporters in Chiradzulu at Atupele rally

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