Mia dumps Malawi’s ruling PP, resigns as Minister
Minister of Transport and Public Works Muhamed Sidik Mia has resigned from the ruling Joyce Banda’s Peoples’ Party (PP).
Mia has refused to disclose his next move but people have been speculating that he is earmarked to take up the position of running mate to Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Dr Lazarus Chakwera.
He however said he will soon call a news conference to “speak on the future of my political career.”
Mia, who was with President Banda in Thyolo only on Tuesday to inspect some road projects and presided over a graduation ceremony today morning as Transport minister in Blantyre for the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport at College of Medicine, made the announcement during a news conference in Blantyre held Friday morning.
He also said he has tendered his resignation to President Banda as a cabinet minister but declined to take questions, insisting he will do so at an appropriate time
“I ask of you the press to respect my right to privacy as a private citizen whilst I spend this time with my family,” Mia said.
He said his withdraw of membership from PP has come after he made “wider consultations, spiritual and personal reflection.”
Mia was until his resignation, PP Vice president for the South.
This comes barely weeks after PP vice- president (Central Province), Dr. Cassim Chilumpha also resigned from the party. Sam Ganda, an MP from Nsanje and First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jones Chingola, have also left PP in protest following disputes over primary elections.
President Joyce Banda’s adviser on communication and political affairs Elias Wakuda Kamanga however said the departure of the two vice presidents does not signify trouble and disintegration of PP ahead of May 20 elections.
He is also incumbent MP for Chikhwawa Mkombezi Constituency.