UTM-MCP tussle runs counter to Tonse philosophy: Analysts condemn politicisation of Medf loans
A governance commentator and political analysts have said it’s unfortunate that Malawi Congress Party (MCP) second deputy-president Harry Mkandawire declared that his party supporters will be prioritized in the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (Medf) loan facility, saying such remarks must be condemned in strongest terms.
Mkandawire said Mlare in Karonga Central on Saturday that MCP supporters will be prioritised in the Medf loans disbursement because President Chakwera is the party’s leader and they are the official ruling party.
“The first people to obtain the loans will be members of MCP because the party’s leader Chakwera is the State President,” declared Mkandawire.
Mkandawire also declared that MCP is the ruling party, saying while there is Tonse Alliance but it is a Chakwera administration.
“It is Chakwera’s face that we saw on the ballot paper and he was the one sworn in as President,” said Mkandawire, the remarks which one of Chakwera’s aides Chikumbutso Mtumodzi also posted on Facebook.
“Who is the President now?” asked Mkandawire as the crowds roared in response “Chakwera!”
“Can you have two Presidents at a time?” he quizzed and told the crowds that the Medf loans forms which were being given by Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Patricia Kaliati – who is also UTM secretary general – are fake.
Kaliati has however denied distributing Medf forms to UTM Party members.
The Medf loans target women the youth and the disabled.
Governance commentator Makhumbo Munthali told Nyasa Times that this is not time for politicians to politicise any national initiative, let alone one that is funded by the taxpayer.
“It’s unfortunate and must be strongly condemned,” said Munthali.
He said the event in Karonga and public declaration by MCP operatives that it is a Chakwera administration because it was MCP on ballot paper could signal the beginning f squabbles between UTM Party of vice-president Saulos Chilima and MCP.
“This may just be a tip on the iceberg on the internal scramble within the Tonse Alliance over the Medf loans. It runs counter the so-called Tonse philosophy which is grounded on ‘Malawi wokomela tonse’,” said Munthali.
He also stated that thus might also mean that the Tonse regime has not learnt from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) mistakes.
“Listening to Harry Mkandawire talk it doesn’t need one to be a genius to note that this is just a tip on the iceberg. I see an internal scramble (or infighting) within the Tonse Alliance over ‘preferential’ access to the Medf loans – typical of what DPP was associated with.
“Unfortunately, this runs counter to the prophesed Tonse philosophy. For me a simple apology or condemnation from MCP leadership will not be enough. There is need to go to the bottom of the issue to fully understand how the Tonse Alliance gurus have captured the Medf loan. We need to appreciate the extent of this internal scramble for Medf loans within Tonse,” he said.
A political science associate professor at University of Malawi’s Chancellor College Mustafa Hussein has also said the use if Medf for political gain as regrettable and unfortunate.
He said Tonse alliance parties “must avoid the use of public resources for partisan gain.”
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Mkandawire said MCP members will be first to receive the loans , this is obviously wrong but he did not say that only MCP members will get the loans…..
While DPP promised that everyone will get the loans but in the end it was only DPP members who got the loans…..
I don’t care who gets the loan first so long as I also get my loan……
It is surprising that those condemning Harry are themselves talking the same language.
Alliances in politics is always a rip-off strategy by the larger partners. Indeed the ballot paper had kokoliko symbol that’s why they are boasting as the ruling party. Sometimes it’s good to be on the opposition side and if you contribute effectively in the house, you can earn respect. We had the likes of Juliana Lunguzi, Gift Mwamondwe, Njovuyalema etc who whilst on the opposition caused thorns in the flesh to the government side and were respected as astute politicians of their time.Next don’t get involved in alliances, let the 50%+1 take control.
Kodi APM anakusiilani MEDF kuti muzikanganilana?
We told you so SKC. This MCP is the party of darkness and death. A leopard never changes its spots. We voted Tonse because of you SKC. Please do not abandon us. We want you as President not Chakwera.
Just within three months there are already cracks in the so called Tonse Alliance kkkkkkk. Come on. It was apparently surprising to see Chilima deputizing Chakwera when the opposite was supposed to be true, considering that Chilima was already state vice president. Now UTM has started reaping what it saw. You are a prodigal son, so just go back to your parents DPP. Leave Lazalo waumphawi alone. Please! mark my words, MCP will only be in government for five years, it will be booted out come 2025. By the way Lazalo you must be very careful. Chilima is a mafia.… Read more »
Kudyetsana njomba poyerayera.The world was told that Chakwera/Chirima will work as equals and in turns.After this term comes Chirima.That is why Chakwera cannot make any slight decision alone as a president.That is the reality.Chikondi Cha nkhwangwa anthu analosera kale.A Chirima MOTI MOTI zimenezi kuchenjera konseku simumaziona.
I have more trust in UTM than MCP. This is th reason I voted Tonse alliance. I will quickly withdraw my vite anytime SKC is out of this alliance. MCP musadzinyenge and think kuti mungawine zisankho nokha. Never.
If u think kuti ma MP akuakopa MiA ndiamene adzakuvotereni 2025, then ua empty headed. Those MPs may simply join u to get some opportunities as individuals, koma never expect them to bring u votes in 2025.
U wud be out of government sooner than APM if u dont play ur cards well.
Many of our political leaders are still living in the past. They are not used to the leadership of Dr Chakwera and Dr Chilima. They are also not able to understand the Tonse Philosophy that the president champions. My take is that if we look too much to what career politicians say, we will miss the way. I am fully persuaded that the President and his Vice are very much aware of what Malawians need and that they are geared towards fulfilling that. They cannot be writing speeches for their erstwhile lieutenants but they should be able to gauge the… Read more »
Malawi wokomela tonse uja wataniso