Maravi

Govt should listen to criticism, says Milupi

Govt should listen to criticism, says Milupi
By Kabanda Chulu
Sat 31 Oct. 2009,

LUENA independent member of parliament Charles Milupi has said criticism is a component of democracy and the government should learn to listen to diverse views in the country.

But Vice-President George Kunda said the culture of insults and disrespect for those holding government positions should not be allowed to take root in the country.

During debates for the 2010 budget estimates of expenditure of the office of the President - State House and office of the Vice-President on Thursday, Milupi said the government should not get annoyed when people get concerned about the President’s frequent foreign trips.

“Government should not just listen to one side especially those people praising it but government should also tolerate diverse views since criticism is part of democracy and this should not annoy government,” said Milupi.

Sinazongwe member of parliament Raphael Muyanda said respect was important and government leaders should respect others if they wanted to be respected.

“If you ask for something and it is not done and you don’t keep quiet that does not amount to disrespect, this government just wants to be defensive. That clearly shows that it has failed to deliver.

For example, if Maamba Coal Mines’ workers demand for their wages, is that insulting or disrespecting the government leadership because what is happening in Maamba is a disaster,” said Muyanda.

However, Vice-President Kunda said statements of criticism should be based on facts.

“For instance, those presidential trips being criticised are worthwhile and let us make statements based on facts and this culture of insulting government leaders should not be allowed to take root in the country,” Vice-President Kunda said.

Luapula parliamentarian Peter Machungwa said he had failed to understand why someone could just be wrong all the time to attract criticism while Bahati parliamentarian Besa Chimbaka said it was disheartening to see even members of parliament disrespecting offices they aspire for.

Local government deputy minister Lwipa Puma urged the Ministry of Justice to pursue legal means of handling those disrespecting the government leaders.

“They should be taken to court because they will think that it is normal to be disrespectful,” said Dr Puma.

Chongwe member of parliament Sylvia Masebo asked why allocations for wildlife maintenance were not changed since some monkeys were removed from State House and the funding would still cater for the removed animals but Vice-President Kunda responded that the funds were meant for animals at State House.

The parliamentarians unanimously approved K 23.5 billion for State House and K20.3 billion for the Vice-President’s office.

Labels: CHARLES MILUPI, GEORGE KUNDA

posted by MrK @ 5:46 AM