Mia endorses Atupele for Malawi presidency
Former Transport Minister Sidik Mia – who quit frontline politics – on Thursday endorsed United Democratic Front (UDF) presidential candidate Atupele Muluzi to be “the one” to lead Malawi beyond May 20 elections.
Mia announced his endorsement at Kapoloma in Machinga to thousands of supporters and left with Atupele to Mangochi where he would also make public his endorsement.
Before quitting front line politics, Mia was ruling People’s Party (PP) vice president responsible for administration and also served as Transport Minister.
Mia, a wealthy businessman who has been one of the financiers of the PP, said he was impressed with youthful Atupele, saying he is the only candidate who will usher in transformational leadership to Malawi.
“I am still out of politics but I have decided to make an endorsement on Atupele for president, Dzuka Malawi!” said Mia.
“Malawi needs to focus on immediate challenges, complete overhaul of the system. The best leader is one energetic and has taken his whole life to change people’s life. I strongly believe Atupele is the right leader for Malawi now,” said Mia.
Mia said after quitting PP he is leading a “private life”.
Taking his turn, Atupele said he was “humbled” with Mia’s endorsement.
Atupele said he believes in a “united, secure Malawi” with a growing, transparent and inclusive economy.
“This is my vision for Malawi and this is what I stand for,” he said.
Atupele said a new generation must take over.
“ If Malawi is to truly transform, it requires a political and social revolution. We need a new thinking and new ideas for Malawi 50 years after independence,” he said.
Atupele noted that Malawi’s demographics have changed. The majority of Malawi’s population is under the age of 40 years of age – Ungo’ono ung’ono.
“They are demanding economic change and I am representing this generation,” he said.
Atupele pointed out that economic change must translate into jobs for Malawian people and improved standard of living for all.
Meawhile, Mia’s wife was on Thursday with Atupele’s wife in Malka in Nsanje addressing meetings in support of Atupele.
“I accept your endorsement. We will work together. There is no north, centre, south, east or west. These are colonial demarcations.
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