Opposition UDF calls on followers to embrace party’s new ideals
Malawi’s former governing United Democratic Front (UDF) has appealed to its members across the country to adopt the new ideas being promoted by its current party leadership.
The yellow party believes this is the only way to ensure that it bounces back to power, eight years after unceremoniously and devastatingly paving way to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).
UDF Chief Whip in Parliament Dr. Clement Chiwaya urged the party members and Malawians at large to espouse the ideas of its youthful leader Atupele Muluzi in his ‘Agenda for Change’ strategy.
Chiwaya, who is parliamentarian for Mangochi Central, also urged Malawians to desist from politics of hate and character assassination which he observed have proved to be more costly to the country.
The lawmaker also called on relevant authorities to swiftly implement the controversial Section 65, which regulates crossing of the floor among members of Parliament (MPs), arguing that it was unfair to have a law that only punishes certain sector of the society while sparing another.
“Let me, therefore, call upon all people concerned to boldly ensure that laws that have a bearing on our nascent democracy are respected.
“I am calling upon all Malawians to ensure that section 65 is relevant to this country. We, as a country, cannot afford to choose laws that apply to others and ignore others,” hinted Chiwaya.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) President John Tembo has also said it was in his party’s interest to see the Speaker act on Section 65.
Commenting on the new UDF sitting arrangement in parliament, the legislator said it was aimed at ensuring that the party’s identity as an opposition party is not compromised.
He said last year his party MPs decided to sit on government side after the death of former President Bingu wa Mutharika to ensure that stability and peace prevailed in the country as nobody knew what was to happen after the tragedy.
“I am happy to report that the party has now decided that its MPs must return to the opposition side to ensure that it’s identity as an entity is not compromised, especially now that the uncertainty is over,” said Chiwaya, who enjoys massive support in his constituency and is known not to castigate opponents during his rallies.
The parliamentarian also assured the people that he would not desert them for personal gains as other greedy MPs do.
Chiwaya, one of the trusted and firm UDF lawmakers having served the party uninterrupted for 10 years, said it was high time Malawi rooted out the growing malaise which is political prostitution.
“As your MP, I will never abandon you and join any other party other than the UDF. You cannot choose me to be your MP and down the line abandon you just for my own personal benefit.”
