Muluzi to represent Mutharika for Zambia’s 50th independence anniversary

Malawi former President Bakili Muluzi will represent President ProfPeter Mutharika at Zambia’s 50th Independence Anniversary to be held in the capital Lusaka on October 24.

Muluzi will lead the Malawi delegation after being delegated by President Mutharika amid speculation that the governing ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)  is working on offering United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi, son to the former leader, the position of second vice-president.

Atupele was appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining by President Mutharika in a touted lean cabinet of 20 members.

A letter from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Cooperation addressed to Muluzi’s Chief of Staff stated that it has pleased the President to delegate the former leader to the event.

Confirming the development the former President said he was happy with the gesture and he had accepted to travel to Lusaka for the event.

He commended Mutharika for showing a spirit of reaching out to the other sectors of society on political, governance and economic issues of Malawi.

The former President also applauded Mutharika for inviting presidential candidates in the May 20 Tripartite Elections to luncheon on October 9 saying it underlined his commitment to work with everybody in the interest of the country.

“This is very commendable. I urge the President to also consider Members of Parliament from other political parties in his delegation outside the country whenever resources are available,” he said.

He said the move would help the MPs to be given exposure to opportunities because they are new.

Muluzi, who was appointed Malawi’s Special envoy to Swaziland, met President Mutharika at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre where the former leader briefed him on the progress of mediation talks on the democratic process taking place in Swaziland.