The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Spokesperson Shadric Namalomba has described recent political statements from United Democratic Front (UDF) president Atupele Muluzi as statements from a frustrated man.
He was reacting to Muluzi’s recent attacks on DPP running mate Jane Ansah.
In a statement released Tuesday, Namalomba said the UDF presidential candidate is frustrated for not being picked as DPP presidential candidate Peter Muthalika’s running mate.
“The DPP acknowledges the root cause of Mr. Muluzi’s hostility. It is public knowledge that without any notable political achievements of his own, he had hoped to ride to the presidency through being chosen as a running mate to His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
“When this aspiration was not fulfilled, he has resorted to a campaign of slander, animosity, and personal attacks. Malawians deserve leaders with a vision and a commitment to serve, not those driven by resentment and a sense of entitlement,” he said
Namalomba said it is disheartening and surprising that instead of presenting his own manifesto or holding President Lazarus Chakwera accountable for his government’s failures, Muluzi chooses to focus on tarnishing the image of the DPP, “the only reliable alternative”.
“The recent derogatory comments made by Mr. Muluzi towards our running mate, Justice Jane Ansah, SC, are of grave concern. His baseless attempt to undermine her leadership can only be attributed to her gender as a woman.
“These remarks not only lack respect for Ansah as an individual, but also demonstrate a concerning disregard for the role of women in leadership. Ansah is a distinguished legal scholar and judge retired, who has served with integrity, excellence, and patriotism as a Justice on the Supreme Court of Appeal.
“It is a fact that Atupele Muluzi’s own father and former president, Bakili Muluzi, had complete faith in Ansah’s capabilities, appointing her as a High Court Judge. Mr. Muluzi’s attempts to diminish her now are hypocritical and dishonorable, tarnishing the respect and statesmanship his father displayed.
“In the midst of challenging times in Malawi, where citizens are facing issues such as fuel shortages, high inflation, forex shortages, unemployment, corruption, and governance failures under the leadership of Lazarus Chakwera, it is disappointing to see Muluzi directing his efforts towards undermining a fellow opposition party instead of addressing these pressing challenges.
“It is possible that his recent alliance talks with Chakwera have influenced his actions, as he now appears to be acting in the interests of Chakwera, even though he has no intention or chance of winning the election.
“The DPP has always respected former President Bakili Muluzi for his contributions to the country’s democracy, and we have treasured the historic relationship between our party and the UDF. The DPP remains dedicated to focusing on important issues and offering solutions to restore the nation’s pride, economic stability, and prosperity.
“We urge all politicians to engage in respectful and productive discussions that strengthen our democracy rather than weaken it. As for Atupele Muluzi, we specifically request him to immediately stop making derogatory comments towards individuals, particularly our party leaders, based on their age or gender,” he said
