Mpatsa hints on returning to front-line politics
Renowned Malawian business magnate Jimmy Korea Mpatsa says “never say never” as he hinted he may return to front-line politics.
Mpatsa is founding member of the People’s Progressive Movement (PPM) but lost to late Aleke Banda for leadership position. He was on presidential ballot in 2004 as running mate to independent candidate Justin Malewezi, the former vice president.
Later Mpatsa quit active politics and concentrated on his business empire.
But Mpatsa has been subject of fevered speculation that he will take a leading role in one of the political parties.
On Capital FM Straight Talk interview programme, host Rhodes Msonkho, asked Mpatsa on reports that he was linked to United Democratic Front (UDF) to help it in 2014 elections.
He responded: “ Yes there have been discussions with not only UDF but various parties.”
“A number of parties have approached me, not necessarily to lead them in 2014 but to persuade me to join their parties,” he said.
Mpatsa said he in perfect contentment doing business that to go back to front-line politics.
But he added: “Never say never because you don’t know what will happen tomorrow, 2014 is two years away.”
Mpatsa said: “I don’t know any party that is counting on me to be their leader. All I am saying is I am happy of what I am doing. I have had discussion with various parties who are persuading me to join their groupings.”
The business magnet said he has “a good relationship with most of the leaders” including President Joyce Banda and former president Bakili Muluzi.
Asked is he would form a new political party, he said: “I have no intentions whatsoever to form any political party. I already did, I formed PPM and am pleased to say it is still there.”
Mpatsa said “most of the political parties their ideologies are the same.”
Asked to comment on the current PP administration, Mpatsa said: “My point of departure for this administration is that they have incorporated the very members of cabinet who presided over the destruction of this country.
“It’s difficult for people to change their minds and start trusting them now. These are very characters who presided over the destruction of this country.”
Mpatsa advised government to reduce expenditure, saying the Farm Input Subisdy programme should have a time frame “because it is not sustainable.”
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