Maravi

Patrick advises MMD against using Chiluba at centre of its campaigns

Patrick advises MMD against using Chiluba at centre of its campaigns
By Chibaula Silwamba
Mon 01 Feb. 2010, 04:01 CAT

Late president Levy Mwanawasa's eldest son Patrick has advised the MMD against having former president Frederick Chiluba at the centre of its campaign strategy. And Patrick said it was distasteful to learn that MMD youths issued derogatory remarks to FDD president Edith Nawakwi.

In an interview, Patrick said although he did not believe in political enemies, Chiluba's role in the campaigns must be limited to a stealth activity.

“I personally do not believe in political enemies and so if Dr Chiluba wants to support the party for 2011, he should be embraced. After all, he is one of the founder members of the party but I have my reservations of having him at the core face of our campaign strategy and instead must be limited to a stealth activity,” Patrick said. “For example, the opposition are using the Church as an instrument to advocate for a change of government, but we can counter that by sending Dr Chiluba on a circuit to various churches of different denominations.”

Patrick said he could not deny that Chiluba was a charismatic man who could appeal to the masses.

“Not foregoing his misdeeds to the people of our land, his declaration of Zambia as a Christian nation is one of a few aspects which endear him to the people of our beloved country,” Patrick said. “Objectively speaking, there is a danger, however, of the Church being involved in active politics.

Regardless of which side of the political spectrum they support, members of the pulpit should not take an approach, akin to that of the friar from the Summoner's tale but instead should strengthen the moral fibre of society and not relent in their teachings against the social ills of our vile communities.”

Patrick said it was encouraging to see that the MMD was reorganising itself in readiness for 2011 election.

“For instance, Dora Siliya, as party spokesperson brings with her immense experience in the field of communications, and I am sure she will do us proud. Likewise Honourable Vernon Mwaanga, it really is a long sunset but his political expertise is invaluable,” Patrick said. “I'm not privy to decisions made by NEC national executive committee and as such I don't know whether recent developments pertaining to the composition of NEC are an indication that we won't have a convention before 2011 or otherwise but either way all party members must rally behind the leadership and support them.”

Patrick observed that at this stage of the political climate, it was important that MMD members made collective decisions in the best interest of the party.

“For example, we must do away with personal feuds like those exhibited by honourable George Mpombo and honourable Mike Mulongoti. It's a new year, what happened last year is done. The chapter is closed. It goes without saying that we need each other to ensure a sweet victory next year,” Patrick said.

“At the same time we must encourage our national secretary to ensure the party is more militant at grassroot level. Last year's poor showing at local government level during the by-elections must not repeat itself because come 2011 that is where the votes will count.”

Patrick said President Rupiah Banda and Patriotic Front's (PF) Michael Sata were “a last of a dying breed”.

“Our political leaders in general are not focussing on the bigger picture; they are preoccupied about who will be in Plot 1 at the end of 2011. Casual analysis would have us believe that our leaders are concerned with the plight of the masses and one may be forgiven to think that they care for the ordinary Zambian citizen,” Patrick said. “However, in my judgment the opposite is true. It is my understanding that our country's political system does not stress the primacy of collective goals over individual goals.

With due respect to President Banda and Mr Michael Sata, Zambia yearns for modern political leadership where politics is of representative democracy, and not the emphasis of an individual's freedom in his or her economic and political pursuits. There is no denying that these leaders are a last of a dying breed, and we are allowing ourselves to be consumed by their subjective philosophies across the political arena.”

Patrick observed that President Banda and Sata had their own outlook on governance, one which suggests that a ruling class was a prerequisite for effective governance and one which suggests that efficient governance was only possible if power was vested in the proletariat working class.

“It is not uncommon for a ruling party to patronise government business so long as you can account for it, neither is there a problem in a government of the day controlling national assets.

The problem is, these styles of governance are colonial styles of governance, which have no time and place in this age of globalisation,” Patrick said. “This is not a time where a select few are educated and entrusted with bringing development to a nation, neither is it a time where you can chant cha cha cha against a white face advocating for change.”

Patrick observed that nowadays, to be effective and efficient, there was need to engage everyone.

“Yes, our politics are entrenched in the philosophy of humanism and this is a culture we must respect but culture is not a constant as it evolves over time. This, however, is not to say that the wisdom of the old must be neglected but instead must be respected,” Patrick said. “I say this because in 1995 when the late Chama Chakomboka told this nation we had oil in Zambia we all laughed and today we are at the mercy of neo-colonialists who once subserved the needs of the subject lands to their own demands.”

Patrick said the styles of governance on offer by President Banda and Sata were deficient in understanding that there was a correlation between culture and national competitive advantage.

“That is to say they lack the foresight that the culture of a country influences the cost of doing business in that country. Moreover, the costs of doing business in our country influence the ability of firms to establish a competitive advantage in the global market place,” Patrick said.

“That being said, it would be interesting to hear the views of the UPND leadership after learning that their counterparts in the pact will pursue a policy of nationalisation once in power. Zambia is accustomed to a socialist dispensation but the driving force of our economy is anchored on capitalist principles, and I believe this is one of the reasons my party MMD carries the day at election time.”

On MMD self-confessed gang-rapists' threats to rape Nawakwi, Patrick expressed dismay.

“As a youth, I am very disappointed to see that my brothers are being involved in violence and abusive language towards leaders of our society. It was distasteful to learn that my brothers issued derogatory remarks to FDD President Edith Nawakwi,” said Patrick. “Conversely, leaders of an honourable standing must refrain from engaging in violent behaviour because as a youth it prompts the question as to whether honourable citizens appreciate the fact that we perceive them as our role models.

More so, are they aware that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow? And I wish to appeal to the law enforcement wings to efficiently and effectively sensitise the nation against political violence.”

Labels: CHILUBA, MMD, PATRICK MWANAWASA

posted by MrK @ 9:13 AM