Maravi

KK lacks moral high ground to advise politicians on language – Harrington

KK lacks moral high ground to advise politicians on language – Harrington
By George Chellah
Sat 02 Jan. 2010, 04:00 CAT

FORMER transport and communications minister William Harrington yesterday said Dr Kenneth Kaunda lacks the moral high ground to advise politicians on language because during his presidency he often and publicly referred to Zambians as ‘stupid idiots’.

Commenting on Dr Kaunda’s charge that former defence minister George Mpombo has been barking like anything at President Rupiah Banda, Harrington dismissed the manner in which Dr Kaunda spoke about Mpombo.

“With all due respect, Dr Kenneth Kaunda does not have the moral high ground to advise anyone on the use of acceptable political vocabulary because we very vividly recall how he, at the height of his presidency, often publicly referred to Zambians as ‘stupid idiots’,” Harrington said.

“However, in agreeing with our First Republican President in principle on the need for politicians to avoid the use of unpalatable language against each other, Dr Kaunda should have spoken in general terms instead of personalising the issue by attacking an individual in the media.”

Harrington urged Dr Kaunda to stay out of politics.

“Dr Kaunda, who is supposed to have retired from active politics, should distance himself from the political boxing ring failure to which he risks exposing himself to attacks, insults and bruises from politicians who may feel injured by his comments and interventions,” Harrington said.

“Our so-called ‘founding father of the nation’ needs to maintain his dignity and respect by staying out of active politics so that he is not hit in any cross-fire.”

Harrington advised Dr Kaunda to be neutral.

“Dr Kaunda should not be seen to be openly taking sides with and protective of the UNIPist-led MMD government,” Harrington said.

“But should provide guidance in a fatherly and neutral manner as many politicians from the both sides of the political spectrum are guilty of what he refers to as ‘unacceptable language’.”

Featuring on ZNBC's Kwacha Good morning Zambia programme last Saturday, Dr Kaunda charged that Mpombo has been barking like anything at President Banda.

This prompted Mpombo to challenge Dr Kaunda to repeat to the nation what he said when he relieved President Banda of his duties as foreign affairs minister. Mpombo warned that he took great exception to Dr Kaunda’s scurrilous and morally offensive comments or he risked stepping on an undetonated political landmine.

Labels: GEORGE MPOMBO, KENNETH KAUNDA, POLITICS, WILLIAM HARRINGTON

posted by MrK @ 11:10 AM