Chakwera ‘not bothered’ with Mutharika’s snub, cheer up Gwanda

Malawi Congress Party  (MCP) president Dr Lazarus Chakwera has said he is not bothered with the conduct of President Peter Mutharika who snubbed him at the opening of the HTD’s Abdul Majid Motor City in Blantyre .

During the function, President Mutharika reportedly  ignored Chakwera twice.

The MCP president is also leader of opposition in parliament  and finished second to Mutharika in the controversial May 20 Tripartite Elections, was one of the high-profile guests that sat on the presidential podium alongside former president Bakili Muluzi, Cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary to the Government George Mkondiwa  and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Esther Mcheka Chilenje, among others.

Chakwera, whose party argues was robbed of victory during the May 20 Tripartite Elections that put Mutharika in power,  told Nyasa Times in an exclusive interview on Monday that he is not moved with what happened ,saying he is not after personal recognition.

“I am not after personal recognition,” said Chakwera downplaying the incident.

Chakwera confirmed that indeed Mutharika never gave him a handshake and even not mentioned him.

A statement signed by presidential press secretary Frederick Ndala, said Mutharika did not ignore Chakwera, but failed to give him a handshake because of a barrier.

Ndala also said it was just an oversight for the President not to recognise the leader of opposition in his salutations.

He said salutations document was handed over to the President as he was about to speak and as such he genuinely missed Chakwera’s name and a few others at the event.

However, Chakwera said: “Am not bothered by such reports,  in fact I had indicated  that in so far as I am concerned,  my life is a life of service.”

He added: “I had been invited to attend the meeting where a launch of a great business venture by Malawians was going to be inaugurated by the President so I honoured the invitation. And I do not believe in petty politics so it’s unfortunate that happened  in that way. I respect the office of Presidency from day one,” said Chakwera.

Commenting on the current relationship with Mutharika, the MCP leader described the relationship as “cordial”.

Said the MCP president: “I do not seek personal recognition.  I serve Malawians.”

“What I believe is that we serve the same people,” he said.

Chakwera told Nyasa Times that he will continue to do his job of checks and balances  as an opposition leader  without fear.

He told Nyasa Times that soon after the launch of  HTD Limited – a private local limited liability company incorporated in Malawi in 1993 and started constructing the new premises in 2004 –  he went to see former MCP leader Gwanda Chakuamba who is recuperating home after recently he received treatment  in South Africa.

Chakwera said he shared with the retired  politician ” good ideas”.

He said Chakuamba was in good spirits and well updated with current affairs.