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Atupele says not an opportunist

Ministerial splendour: Atupele boarding his official vehicle at Parliament Building in Lilongwe yesterday
Ministerial splendour: Atupele boarding his official vehicle at Parliament Building in Lilongwe yesterday

United Democratic Front president (UDF) Atupele Muluzi says his acceptance of a Cabinet position as Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining does not make him an opportunist.

Atupele, who has been roped in President Peter Mutharika’s first Cabinet, said in an interview in the capital, Lilongwe he is in Cabinet to serve and deliver the transformation agenda to Malawians.

On whether he is an opportunist by accepting the post, Atupele, who finished fourth in the presidential race in theMay 20 Tripartite Elections, said: “How is this making me an opportunist? You can serve in Cabinet and serve Malawians, just the same way as you can serve in any position.

“There are some synergies between Democratic Progressive Party [DPP] manifesto and UDF manifesto and we saw this even during the debates, where it was all about exchanging ideas to the cause.

“It’s about Malawi, and whatever capacities and positions we serve it’s really about Malawians at heart and this is a necessity to the need for unity of purpose and making sure it’s about Malawi and putting Malawi forward.”

Atupele said his Cabinet appointment will not disorient UDF and that he is in consultation with his members.

“I think what is important is that this [decision] is about making sure that we deliver our transformation agenda for Malawians and, of course, the consultation processes are still underway and will be able to communicate what that process will be,” he said.

This is the second time Atupele has accepted a Cabinet posting from a governing party.

In 2012, Atupele and several UDF members of Parliament (MPs) were in the first Cabinet hired by former president Joyce Banda of People’s Party (PP).

On Monday, UDF sources indicated that after his appointment, Atupele summoned his party’s senior members to a meeting in Lilongwe where he pleaded with them not to disintegrate because of the development.

Atupele reportedly told his party members that he knew some were against his appointment and his decision could create problems, but said he needed their support.

The sources claimed that there was a minor feud within UDF’s rank and file following Atupele’s appointment to Cabinet.

But UDF spokesperson Ken Ndanga on day said it is impossible with human nature to make a decision that satisfies every person despite its motives.

Said Ndanga: “Our president has not gone in government to serve the interests of any political party, but to serve Malawians regardless of their political affiliation, religion, tribe or status in society. He is above partisan politics.”

UDF won 14 parliamentary seats in the May 20 Tripartite Elections.

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4 Comments

  1. Anatani kujoina DPP nthawi ya kampeni? Watiputsitsa uyu!!!!!!!! Zonsezi akunenazi akungonama basi? Kodi sangagwire ntchito ndi boma ali ku UDF konko; koma kulowa m’boma momo? BODZA ili? Ife a ung’onoung’ono mwatitaya eti? Mudzatikumbukira mu 2019. Nthawi yomweyi nanuso mwayiwala zomwe munachokela m’boma la PP!!! Muonaso zomwezo mtsogolomu!!! Lero mukadzadzionaso mudzangochokamo kachetechete osadzatigonthetsa m’khutu ife. Mukhale ndi DPP yanuyo. Mwamva kodi????

    1. Aaron, its high time Malawians rose above party politics.
      Its in black and white that the guy has not “JOINED” DPP. He has “JOINED” cabinet. You get that? Atupele is not a fool as others may be forced to believe he is. There is no any MOU between DPP and UDF in what ever way you may think. By the way, its good he is in there so that he can directly see whats really going on behind the curtains. Its not just about opposing; people should oppose where opposition is due. This is our country. If we havent managed to climb to the summit, we can still help build Malawi through other avennues such as advising while in the opposition or taking up ministerial post and directily involve yourself in the act, if our intentions are indeed genuine – people focused. Lest we forget, Atupele can never be an opportunist; the guy has money. He wouldnt be getting into politics to amass money; rather he would be getting money because he must by virtue of his position, dont you think?
      This boy is a genious. Lets help government do the right thing and hold it accountable if it fails to take our advice. Its our country and everybody’s responsibility.

      1. Holy cow! Exactly how did Atupele make his money? Isn’t this the loot his papa passed on to him? And since when did he become a genius? It is precisely this shameless hero-worshiping of our political leaders that makes Malawi a useless land at the age of 50.

  2. Just like what Gwanda did after losing 2004 elections. Supporters are still coming to terms with your loss and the present you can give them is to dine and wine with who caused the misery.
    That signaled the end of Gwanda in politics.
    Watch this space.

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