MCP’s Harry Mkandawire scathing remarks against UTM draw public criticism

September 6, 2020 Watipaso Mzungu -Nyasa Times 66 Comments

Malawi Congress Party (MCP) second deputy president, Harry Mkandawire, has drawn public anger and criticism for suggesting that Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (MEDF) will give priority to MCP supporters when disbursing loans.

Harry Mkandawire (C) at the MCP rally in Karonga 

Mkandawire is on record telling MCP supporters in Karonga that they will be the first beneficiaries of the Fund as President Lazarus Chakwera is now running and managing state affairs.

But his remarks have not gone down well with governance and human rights activists and some well-meaning MCP supporters, who are now exerting pressure on Chakwera, who is also MCP president, to denounce Mkandawire’s seemingly discriminatory sentiments about the loan.

The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI), in a statement issued on Sunday, is challenging Chakwera to publicly distance himself from the retrogressive and highly insensitive remarks Mkandawire made.

“CDEDI has learnt with shock about Mkandawire’s remarks were captured in an audio, which has now gone viral on social media, repeating the very same mistakes made by the previous government which is in sharp contrast to what the  Tonse Alliance promised Malawians. Mkandawire made highly insensitive and derogatory remarks to the Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima,” says Namiwa.

In his unwarranted political overzealousness, Mkandawire is heard giving instructions to prioritise members of the MCP when government starts giving out the MEDEF loans because they belong to the ruling party.

Namiwa has described Mkandawire’s remarks as highly insensitive and derogatory to the State Vice President Dr. Saulosi Chilima as Mkandawire is heard in an audio clip lambasting Chilima, arguing the powers of the Vice Presdient are not equal to those of the President, and that he should not be acting as if he is the President of this country.

“Ironically, Mkandawire’s remarks are coming barely a day after President Chakwera smartly avoided to committ to Malawians in his inaugural State of the Nation Address (SoNA), a roadmap on how he would work with the National Assembly to ensure that he empowers the office of the Vice President, as per the promise made by the Tonse Alliance partners.

“ It is against this background that CDEDI and indeed all patriotic Malawians are looking forward to hearing from President Chakwera on the steps he is going to take in empowering the Veep’s office. Given the lukewarm approach he has taken to honour his promise, it is not surprising therefore, to hear some MCP party loyalists discrediting the Vice President, barely three months after the two were ushered into the high office,” he says in the statement.

Just to refresh the voters’ memories, President Chakwera in his capacity as the Tonse Alliance torch bearer accused his predecessor Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika for underutilizing  Chilima and disrespecting the constitutional office, that of the Vice Presidency.

Instead of walking the talk, President Chakwera has all of a sudden developed cold feet on his promise, and has been overtaken by his party zealots who are now fighting the office of the Vice President.

“Of late, we have also witnessed verbal attacks between supporters of the MCP and the UTM on social media, a development which can be construed as an indicator that all is not well among the Tonse Alliance partners, specifically the UTM and the MCP.

“We have also recently witnessed a scramble for Members of Parliament (MPs) between the MCP and the UTM who are enticing independent MPs and those from other political parties such as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to join either the UTM or the MCP, a situation which is very worrisome, because the UTM and the MCP are already in bed in the Tonse Alliance administration. One would wonder, therefore, as to what this scramble of MPs is all about! One thing we can be sure of, is that something big is cooking between the MCP and the UTM, and it smells bad for the peace-loving Malawians! This ticking bomb has finally been confirmed by Mr. Mkandawire’s unfortunate remarks.”

Namwia said his organisation does not only find MMkandawire’s thinking as retrogressive, but also very careless considering that not long-ago government sent on forced leave the MEDF senior management team for purportedly politicizing the loan disbursement process.

“ This begs the question as to how different is this action compared to the new ‘police directive’ by the MCP Vice President for the north?” continues Namiwa in the statement.

He further cautioned Mkandawire and Chakwera to desist from taking Malawians for granted, arguing people did not vote for MCP alone in the court-sanctioned fresh presidential election on June 23, 2020, but the Tonse Alliance, which is a coalition of nine political parties.

“It is therefore not wise for any of the leaders for the nine political parties to take to the political podium to claim victory in the June 23 Fresh Presidential Elections (FPE) as a ruling party. This far, CDEDI is advising President Chakwera that he should remember that the Tonse Alliance partners promised a new Malawi for all, and that there is no way they would break their campaign promises willy nilly at the watch of all Malawians!

Namiwa has since asked Chakwera to discipline the overzealous Mkandawire as proof that he is not party to this scheme to frustrate the Vice Presidency.

On the other hand, the Chancellor College-based political analyst, Ernest Thindwa, said the remarks have the potential to bring divisions in the Tonse Alliance.

Thindwa said he finds Mkandawire’s remarks as demeaning the Office of the State Vice President; and, eventually defeating the much-touted Tonse Alliance philosophy.

But MCP spokesperson, Reverend Maurice Munthali, has downplayed the criticisms; justifying that the remarks have only come as parties prepare for by-elections in Karonga Central Constituency.

But Kelvin Thawale, an MCP diehard follower, has condemned Mkandawire for the remarks, stressing they do not augur well with the Tonse philosophy.

 

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66 replies on “MCP’s Harry Mkandawire scathing remarks against UTM draw public criticism”

  1. Who is not politicizing these loans? Tell me who is innocent! Nobody, not even one contrary to what the Writer wants us to believe.

    This other day UTM youths up north were in a so called business training and media was awash of positivity about it. If UTM is not politicizing, why did it’s youth wing do this? If the intention was good why not train all youths irrespective of party or no party affiliation? Osatinamizapo apa! Don’t disguise and pretend to be an angel when you are equally a devil masquerading as a holy angel

  2. What would like to mention here is that Mr Harry Mkandawire’s speech was not of unity. Malawians note that we equally voted Dpp out of power and we should work accordingly. Medf loans should not separate us at all. First priority should be MCP & UTM because other parties like Dpp& Udf had already been given their loans. Chilima did not go wrong to accept his current position though him is also himself. Chakwera and Chilima do all things together and leave those people talking rubbish. Tonse Alliance though is not available at the Registrar’s office that is not an issue and that is why positions have been spread to all parties.Dpp should not bring such issues on the table CHITANI ZANU and not follow what others do. We all voted for change but not all of us can appointed to be an ambassador etc.Chilima is the vice president of the Republic of Malawi and he is waiting for Chakwera to retire for him to take over. Chilima OSAPUPULUMA ayi. Do what ever the President delegates you and whether it takes ten years or so but the thing is that one day you will be the President of the Republic of Malawi. But be very careful because some of the people appointed did not vote for Tonse Alliance instead they deliberately voted for Dpp but you incorporated due to party issue.People are just watching you as we know that all things are done together.

  3. This is not surprising. You can see how busy Mia is buying Independent MPs and other other parties. To him that is the performance that Chakwera talks about. He still feels Chilima doesn’t deserve to be the VP, so he is preparing the ground for 2025 to replace Chilima. He wants numbers so MCP can go it alone in the next election. I expected the regional Governors to woo MPs, but not a Minister and let alone a VP of a political party. These people must now retire because they have nothing new to offer to Malawi. They are still practising old-style politics.

  4. Harry Mkandawire is right. MCP is ruling. MCP was on the ballot paper. Forget about Tonse Alliance. It does not exist in Malawi. Go and check at the Registra of Political Parties, kulibe Tonse Alliance Party kumeneko. It is just an illusion of desparados for power. Take it from me; there is no Tonse Alliance now. It is not a registered political movement. It doesn’t exist on paper. It was a gentleman’s agreement then between political party leaders. Kaya musova!!!

  7. I am even suprised that a day later and Chakwera has said nothing. This simply means it was all planned. Those words did not just come out by accedent. Koma a MCP mukamatumbwa muziganizila mau awa amene ananena PRESIDENT CHILIMA:” kodi mumgwilizanomo tikagwilizanamoooo?” “Ine ndimaganiza bhoo, ndipo apapa ndaganiza bhoo.” Chifukwatu, just like this time around, the key for the next election are in Chilima’s pocket, mufune, musafune

    1. MCP full of cheat
      Remember quarter system will be back watch coming examination selection of standard 8 and form 4
      Only MCP supporters will have a chance.

  10. Cry not Chilima is reaping his dues because of greed and over ambition. We told Chilima that he has placed himself in the pool of crocodiles and they will devour him with bones. Next cabinet will tell it all.

    The problem Chilima does not want to disclose contents of the agreement that they signed in Lilongwe.
    If there is division that will be created in the alliance the people are Mia, Nkandawire, Maurice Munthali and Nkaka. Chilima was only needed for the project to enter into government and MCP no longer need him..in 2025 Chakwera will stand with Mia and Chilima political life will come to an end. Sad end to a young, greedy and over ambitious man.

    1. Nothing wrong with what you are saying,these are your ideas.Malawians can not buy such ideas. I rest my case

    3. I dont think that you are telling the Public all the truth. There is no way Mia can stand as vice president to Chakwera. If anything when Chakwera retires and after Chilima takes over then its up to him to select Mia as deputy running mate. Chilima remains very important figure and truly he should not be in hurry.I, for one supported both of them Chakwera and Chilima that is Tonse Alliance for a change. When Chilima takes over never give back to those thieving people.

  11. The reality is Tonse Alliance was not on the ballot therefore MCP has all the right to claim they won the election and therefore are legally ruling this country. Tension will still grow unless Chilima comes in the open and say he will not stand for president in 2025 and the earlier he does that the better. MCP supporters are watching his every move with suspicion.
    Just like what Mia and Usi did by sacrificing their running mate positions for the sake of Tonse Alliance, its time for one Chejumo to sacrifice his political ambition. Chakwera or Chilima one has to go but the scales, to me, are tipping in favour of Chakwera. Sorry Mr Veep your time is over. May be start as soon as today pushing for Mary Chilima as a possible 2025 Tonse runningmate and see how the public will welcome it.

    1. why should Chilima say he will not stand in 2025?. He cannot stand as vice in 2025 because the constitution does not permit. He obviously knew that. So not standing for the presidency in 2025 could not have been an area of agreement.

      2. Chilima can stand as runningmate as many times as posibo…the constitution only covers presidents and not vice presidents….

        1. please go and read it. mukuwonetsa umbuli pano. the president and vice president can only stand for 2 consecutive terms

  12. The abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. What mkandawire has said is what MCP discussed behind scenes. MCP is there to serve central region and that’s all. Chakwera only cares for his chewas unlike APM who cared for all Regions regardless of kusayamika of chewa people. In Central Region alone, DPP built ntcheu deport, ntcheu stadium, tsangano road, kamphata-nkhoma road, bunda-nsipe road, linthipe- Lobi road, area36 road, area24 road, chipasula road, area 23 road, area 22 road, Lilongwe by-pass, senti-area25 road, nsungwi road, paul kagame highway, Lilongwe-kasiya road, Mchinji-mkanda road, dowa-chezi road, mponera-ntchisi road, salima-sengabay road, nkhufi road, kasungu depot, Salima mango factory, Salima Sugar factory, nalikule TTC, Mchinji TTC, Salima Technical College, Lilongwe Technical College, mponera technical college, BICC, parliament, 5star hotel, presidential villas, Bingu stadium, parliament-stadium dual carriage highway, area 18 interchange, kasungu stadium, many primary, secondary and technical schools, Luanar, bwanje vally irrigation dam, etc etc and yet chewa people can not thank APM for once. Ana a njoka inu.

    1. There was nothing to tank gogo petulo for if he did all these things ndalama sizinachokere mtumnba mwake. After all he is the worst president Malawi has ever had.If Malawians have seen problems then most of them came from this Lomwe called gogo pitala. Usatinyansepo apa

      1. pitala analephera kubweretsa ma investors from europe/ USA.though 100+ crew boarde to NY and many times.bola iye anasanjitsa mikono and showed the drama of left hand shakes. bodza lopanda nalo manyazi.

  14. In reality what he has said gonna happen.Why do we want only to hear what pleases us? Its a reality MCP is leading the so called alliance.It’s a reality we have only one president.Abale wapakaliyala saaimba beru

    1. The bone of contention here is the politicization of MEDEF, coz this is what exactly the DPP gvt used to do and we ushered them out, then we don`t want a repeat of such a scenario. This is why people have been saying let the old guts like this Dude Harry pave way for new blood who can take Malawi to a high level and not this myopic thinking

  17. He was wrong to say that and should not be handled with kids gloves, that is the kind of politics that Malawians voted out on June 23rd!!!

  18. Harry Mkandawire has gone against the basic fundamental principles of Tonse Alliance! Disciplinary action should be swift and stiff! How LMC and MCP handle this will speak volumes!

  19. Harry Mkandawire is a tired old politician. They never die — they only smell that way!

    The real outrage here are the remarks by the MCP spokesperson, if true. They clearly show that the Tonse Alliance is doomed.

  20. This goes against everything that Tonse is about, he has gone against the Tonse Philosophy……… No Need to retain him, he needs to be left alone!

  21. I hope he is drafting a letter of resignation because he makes MCP and President Chakwera look really BAD!!!!

  22. Harry Mkandawire belongs to a group of politicians who are stuck in the past, they have no idea that the world has moved on

  24. Achoke! Achoke! Achoke! Achoke!

    The problem with recycled politicians is that they think they are indispensable, they believe that the world revolves around them, they need a serious mindset change ASAP! They don’t understand that the world is changing around them

  25. All members of Tonse Alliance you needed each other to get to 50+1, please don’t start this nonsense, you cannot develop the country if you leave other members of society ( regardless of their political affilliation) behind, Just remember what happened to DPP

  27. This is one blunder that will test the strength of Tonse Alliance. Waiting to see how The President and MCP will handle Harry Mkandawire, this is a fatal error in judgement that cannot be swept under the rug.

  28. Mr Mkandawire belongs to a group of old fashioned, retarded, good for nothing set of miserable politicians who believe that they are untouchable!!! Now how The President and MCP handle this sensitive issue will speak volumes!!!

  30. Mr Mkandawire and all remnants of the old tired overzealous politicians that missed the memo,This is a New Dawn, a New Malawi, The tide of change has come, therefore you CANNOT talk to Malawians like you are talking to your retarded kids, You need to do the honourable thing to RESIGN!!!!!.

  31. When Mkandawire was PP he pocketed a donation of Kwacha 10 million made through him to PP. Joyce Banda was made aware but nothing happened.

  33. Why doesn’t this article mention the fact that Mkandawire was countering Patricia Kaliati?

    Is it true that Malawi is governed by an alliance? Alliances are established for purposes of only an election. You can’t talk of an (electoral) alliance after an election. This is Malawi government led by the MCP which is in coalition with eight other parties. In South Africa we talk of ANC government but we know that ANC is in coalition with other parties.

    1. Kodi nawe, tinalakwa kukutumizira bus kuti ikakutenge ku Jon uzibwera? Pano wati utiwalire zaku Jon? Shupiti

  34. Before anyone condemns Mkandawire we need to know what made him say those words. Surely somewhere something must have happened that Harry Mkandawire was responding to. The writer has just been too economical with the truth. Wasnt someone distributing MELDEF forms and telling applicants that the person doing public reforms is the one responsible for the distribution of loans? Chilima is a big crook. He is behind all this confusion.

    1. Wina akakutsina iwe mkukhala osakuwa. Kenako iwe mkutenga mpeni kubaya munthu uja . Apolice amakumanga kuti walakwa. Overreaction!!.

  35. President Chakwera, the only way to fix this problem is to fire Harry from his position and he should never be given any other appointment in your government or party. Apa Harry wazidomola yekha. Kujijilika. Kamwa ya diarrhea.

  36. Atleast he has come out in open and say it, the reality is MCP are the first and only beneficiaries, others are followers as it was with DPP so it is with MCP GVT.

    Olo tiwuwe wuwe pa social media koma when it comes to mederf loan disbursement, mcp is priotity.

    The Sad reality of malawi politics. Exit dpp mbava, enter mcp mbava.

    Njoka ndi njoka singasinthe manga, mcp for u and me.

  37. That’s what MCP discusses within their ranks. Because of greed and over ambition Chilima gave this game to MCP and he will regret because his wish to be president will never materialise

  38. Chindere chakufikapo!

    Guys like Harry Mkandawire are from the mediocre past, they cant adapt to any new politics. Their default is to insult and bring others down basi.

  41. Abusa a Munthali ndinu achitsilu kuyankha ngati sinu Busa bwanji. It still doesn’t change the fact that Asshole Mkandawire has belittled office ya VP and the Tonse Alliance. Olo zitakhala za campaign how would a relationship survive after such remarks, ngati muli serious suspend that motherfucker. Osamangosekelela zilizonse.

  43. A Maurice Munthali nanunso you are becoming stupid. This is a serious issue and you should discipline your stupid Harry Mkandawire.

  44. Most of the Northerners have always wondered about this Harry Mkandawire getting to the topmost rung in the MCP ladder especially in the Northern Region. He hasn’t any sense of proportion how could a normal politician find solace in employing such divisive language? Some have said he has always been a DPP plant in the MCP. The mole is out ready to crash the Tonse Alliance.
    It took time to create the Tonse Alliance and those who were following our politics were apprehensive about the delay in formalising the incorporation of UTM into Alliance because Chilima the master of the podium would add immense value to Tonse Alliance. Harry Mkandawire now engaging in buffoonery Northerners can steal beds from a dispensary just to boost campaign Harry Mkandawire in a political quagmire

  45. Mwandawire is a dinosaur, too old and ancient. A legacy of the bad old days. Mkandawire does not understand that this is the democratic era he should stop his ugly nonsense. MCP will suffer the consequences of what Mkandawire a first class political prostitute has said. Talk Talk Chakwera should take note and be aware that if he accepts political prostitutes in MCP than he is nothing but a brothel keeper.

  46. These loans are from the government belonging to all Malawians.Disbursment should not be on party lines. What Miandawire has uttered are seditious words that can easily cause violence which he cannot manage to stop. Chakwera should reprimand this careless and senselessly guy and put him in the right frame of mind.

  47. Badness of taking onboard recycled politicians. They won’t change.

    We want a different approach to politics

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