DPP denies crisis of confidence: Hits back at MCP

Malawi’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has his back at opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) for their criticism to Peter Mutharika administration on governance concerns.

MCP president and leader of opposition in Parliament, Rev Dr Lazarous Chakwera told a news conference in Lilongwe that the six months of the DPP and Mutharika leadership has been unproductive with little intervention on issues of national importance.

But DPP spokesman Francis Kasaila has denied there is a crisis of confidence in Mutharika leadership.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Nyasa Times, Kasaila urged MCP and other critics   to come up with alternatives than just criticizing government.

“It is unfortunate to note that up to now that Malawi is having an opposition which is just opposing for the sake of opposing. They should be constructive and over alternative solutions,” he said.

“The opposition believe that by holding press conference they will remain relevant to Malawians. That is not the case, Malawians are very clever now they want solutions,” said Kasaila who is also government leader in parliament.

He trashed Chakwera’s accusations as “lame” and “utterly flat” saying as the leader of opposition he  should have known better that President Mutharika is doing “everything in making sure that the economy is back on its feet.”

Kasaila said government has issued a circular banning frequent travels by members of cabinet and the other senior government officials as part of austerity measures.

On security, Kasaila said government has increased recruitment of Police Officers from 1,000 to 1,500 despite financial constraints.

“On top of that government has bought 50 vehicles for Police. So should we say Dr Chakwera is not aware of all these government interventions?” wondered Kasaila.

“Did the President not invite those who stood during the May elections to the State House? Did Chakwera turn up? So should Malawians believe him today?” Kasaila added.

Kasaila said the door to State House is open that anyone with alternative views on how Malawi can succeed socially, economically and politically are free to offer to the President.

Chakwela told reporters that MCP are disturbed with increased cost of living, lack of financial prudence and delay in implementing Farm Input Subsidy ( FISP)   as some programs which government is failing to successfully implement.

Government spokesperson Kondwani Nankhumwa accused MCP of trying to make political capital out of the issues.

He admitted that the DPP government is experiencing challenged and said “noises off” to critics who raise concerns.