I am not intimidated - Prof Chirwa

I am not intimidated - Prof Chirwa
By Sandra Mulowa
Friday February 01, 2008 [15:35]

MMD presidential aspirant Professor Clive Chirwa has said that he is not intimidated despite some old MMD party members declaring interest for the party presidency. And Prof Chirwa said first Lady Maureen Mwanawasa had a democratic right to stand for any position.

Recently Home Affairs minister Lieutenant General Shikapwasha declared that he would contest the MMD presidency and thereafter succeed President Levy Mwanawasa as Republican president, Health minister Dr Brian Chituwo said he was contemplating while Finance minister Ngandu Magande said he would wait for President Levy Mwanawasa as 'captain' to choose his successor for the 2011 general elections.

And some sections of the society have suggested that Maureen should stand for the MMD presidency. But the UK based automotive engineer and University of Bolton lecturer Prof Chirwa yesterday said he was not intimidated by any of the old MMD members that have declared their interest to stand for the party presidency and would still stand.

"My dreams still remain the same. I am going to continue with my aspiration to stand for the MMD presidency," he said. "I am not intimidated (By the old party members declaring their interest to stand for MMD presidency).

Not at all I will continue with my aspiration because I am very focused and I want the people of Zambia to be smiling again and be proud of their country.

" And Prof Chirwa said he was not going to start his political leadership aspiration from the grass roots because they were people that could do that. "...because somebody with presidential aspirations and qualities should start from there (aspire for Presidency) and not the grassroots.

We have people on the grass roots that can perform very well there," Prof Chirwa said. On the calls that Maureen should stand for MMD presidency, Prof Chirwa said he could not comment. "No comments on that but this is a democratic society and anyone can stand," he said.

On whether Zambia was ready for a female president Prof Chirwa said 'If you talk of gender... if a lady is capable and can take us to new heights, bringing the country to a middle or high income its okay'. "It also depends on development issues and not just standing."