Mia downplays MCP link as claimed in Kaliwo’s epistle

Former cabinet minister Sidik Mia has said reports that he is joining main opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and is creating parallel structures are “incorrect.”

Mia’s MCP connection is contained in the letter the party secretary general Gustav Kaliwo has written its leader Lazarous Chakwera.

Kaliwo informs Chakwera that there are party officials that are working with Mia – a political heavyweight in the Lower Shire.

“There is talk of parallel structures being established in readiness for his coming to the party. I have no problem whatsoever welcoming Hon Sidik Mia and working with him in the party. He just needs to join openly and work with us openly,” Kaliwo said in the letter to Chakwera.

But when interviewed by Nyasa Times on Thursday, Mia said from his Chikwawa Nkombezi farm that he remains out of frontline politics.

“I walked away from frontline politics and the status quo has not changed,” said Mia.

Pressed if he is doing “underground politics”, Mia dismissed the assertions and maintained: “It’s neither here nor there. I want to recharge my batteries by staying away from politics.”

Mia who resigned as People’s Party’s vice president and also as Transport Minister in Joyce Banda cabinet said his decision to quit front line politics was the right one for him, his family and for Malawi.

He said he has been able to spend more time with his family and also do religious works.

“I have time for my family, business and much more on my Islamic work,” he said.

Mia stressed that now lead a private life.

The reticent politician is said to be ace card for 2019 elections as a king maker and could be a threat to ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

He did not rule out a return at some stage but said that is not his priority.

Meanwhile, MCP leader Chakwera says he would comment on calls by Kaliwo for a convention to endorse the current appointed leadership.

Chakwera sounded confused with Kaliwo’s apparent Nkholokolo (rebel) behaviour but said he had to study carefully the nine-page letter authored by the party secretary general.

Kaliwo is also asking Chakwera to restate the fired party officials and lift the suspension of some of the officials.

He becomes the most senior person in MCP to voice concern over the leadership of Chakwera who is facing dissent in the party due to his leadership style.

Kaliwo said there are elements in MCP that are deliberately confusing Chakwera saying this will not help the party which is a government in waiting.