Let me help, says Muluzi

Malawi’s former president Bakili Muluzi says he is ready to advise government and bail out the country from the crises rocking the economy if approached by President Bingu wa Mutharika’s administration.

 

Muluzi introduced Mutharika to the presidency in 2004 by describing him as “an economic engineer” and the right person to deal with economic challenges the country faced during his rule. But in an interview with The Nation on Christmas Day, Muluzi said Malawi has gone through tough times in Mutharika’s administration, especially during 2011.

Muluzi argued he has vast experience in governance.

But presidential spokesperson Hetherwick Ntaba said Muluzi is free to give out his views as opposition leaders, non-governmental organisations, faith groups and concerned citizens have done. Ntaba said government will not approach Muluzi for solutions.

Said Ntaba: “Let him come forward and share what he has. If his suggestions are important, they will be taken on board, but as government, we will not go to ask him for solutions. That is not how government operates.

“Why does he want to keep quiet if he has something important? Let him speak and we will hear what he has to say. Many people have come forward and expressed their views.”

Muluzi said he has been following with keen interest problems rocking the country and observed the country is in a mess; hence, the need for multiple inputs to solve the challenges.

However, he said he can only provide solutions if government swallows its pride and consults him for help. He said he does not want to be seen to be intruding and be later insulted.

Said Muluzi: “Each time I tried to talk on issues that were going wrong in the past, I was accused of being behind the problems, and I cannot just speak now without being approached because I don’t want to be castigated anymore.”

Muluzi said he is concerned about the plight of Malawians who struggle to access basic needs. He said he, too, is a victim of the crises as he is currently struggling to travel for a medical appointment in South Africa due to foreign exchange shortage.

“I feel sorry when I drive along the streets and see long queues at filling stations. It is my responsibility as a Malawian to provide solutions because if the country sinks, it is not only President Mutharika who would sink, but the country as a whole,” said Muluzi.

The former president also commented on the divisions rocking the United Democratic Front (UDF), saying the development is not healthy for the party, especially if it is to go to polls in 2014.

Malawi is reeling under a forex and fuel shortage, an energy crisis and donor aid freeze which have crippled the country and virtually grounded the economy to a halt.