Chilima wins plaudits for condemning political banter at UTM rally
Vice-President Saulos Chilima, who is leader of UTM party, is winning plaudits for condemning political castigation by one of the political orators George ‘Sesa-Sesa’ Saonda made at a political rally in Chikwawa on Sunday.
Chilima: Condemned political banter
Saonda: Apologised after being rebuked by Chilima
In remarks broadcast live on Times TV and Zodiak TV, Saonda attacked Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera and his deputy Muhammad Sidik Mia, saying a “pastor” and a “sheikh” have teamed up but their political relationship is not righteous as it won’t last long as cracks will emerge soon.
But when he took to the podium, condemned the remarks by Saonda.
“I should respond directly to the remarks that have been made here that a certain sheikh and pastor will bite each other. This is not right and, if I don’t say it now, it would look like we agreed to make this statement. As leaders, we should be sensitive.
“I am sorry if what was said on this podium has offended anyone, this is not the aim of this rally. The aim of this rally is to present policies. I am hopeful that in future my fellow senior members will choose their words carefully,” Chilima said.
And on Monday at rally at Khonjeni Primary School Ground in Thyolo, Saonda personally apologized for the remarks.
“I want to apologize for the words I uttered yesterday. Vice President Saulos Klaus Chilima corrected me saying we should not speak as these other parties do and I apologize,” said Saonda.
Concurring with Saonda’s remarks, UTM Secretary General Patricia Kaliati hailed Chilima for taking a board step in condemning the remarks.
And University of Livingstonia social and political analyst, George Phiri, said by condemning the foul-mouthing right at the rally, Chilima has set an example and demonstrated the character of a good leader.
“Chilima demonstrated courage and this is the approach we need,” said Phiri.
He said politicians should learn from Chilima to adopt issue-based politics.
Ernest Thindwa, a political science lecturer at Chancellor College—a constituent college of the University of Malawi said when party zealots go astray, they need to be condemned there and then as Chilima did.
“Unfortunately, not many political leaders are that courageous to make that stand,” he said.
Thindwa said other political leaders should learn from Chilima to practise politics that is competitive in terms of ideas.
Malawi’s flagship newspaper, The Daily Times, has also used it editorial comment to commend Chilima for condemning Saonda’s remarks, which it pointed out were unnecessary unacceptable and uncalled for.
The paper commends Chilima for owning up to his party loyalist’s mess , cleaned it up publicly and set matters straight.
“Such boldness reflects good leadership and urge other parties, including the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, to learn to censor their loose cannon and stock to pertinent issues,” reads the paper’s editorial comment.
The paper reminded leaders that many countries have plunged into ethnic conflicts due to reckless remarks.
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Proud of you SKC! lets not stoop down to Apumbwa’s level we should be above the fray!!!………you got my respect and my vote!
Total respect and admiration for SKC! you are the real deal. Saonda good job for the public apology, zimenezo asiyileni a Geleseda ndi a Mchacha
Well done SKC! and well done Mr Saonda for owning up to your mistake, GREAT RESPECT FOR BOTH! lets stick to issue based campaign leave dirty politics to Apumbwa
Good job SKC! that was very classy of you, you are in your own league Sir, and kudos to Mr Saonda for the public apology, You put Apumbwas to shame!!!!
Chilima in his own badmouthing calls APM pumbwa etc and you think chilima is honest in repremanding Saonda? By repremanding Saonda, Chilima simply wants to steal MCP votes in lowershire and nothing more. Mwana wamwano uyu chilima.
Thats the SKC that i know, leadership personified. Keep it up Mr President.
George Phiri and Ernest Thindwa are useless commentators ever. Nonetheless Saonda awondetsa utm amongst the Muslims faithfuls.
Namalengeni sopano why not correcting himself when he call others “apumbwa” this young man is very intelligent but not wise
To me what Chilima has done is a clear sign of maturity. He has also conveyed the same message to those who did it previously and those who may be tempted to do so. Lets not just speak because we support a different party. Even outside politics very few can do that.
When his lieutenants attack DPP does he rebuke them? Kaliati was attacking APM by saying that he will be next to be involved in sexual scandal like other DPP members before. She indirectly meant that APM will follow Bingu way of demise. Many believe that Bingu death was related to failed sexual activity .l heard her correctly. She is busy attacking DPP personalities esp APM. She has gone very far. Now I am ordering fatwa on her . You came to Thyolo and insulted Mulupale you will be taught unforgettable lesson
you are very stupid aise you think dzikoli ndilako with your DPP? Do you own Thyolo yourself mbuzi iweti.