There is no crisis in MMD, says Siliya

There is no crisis in MMD, says Siliya
By By Moses Kuwema
Tue 01 Feb. 2011, 03:59 CAT

PEOPLE have taken advantage of Lameck Mangani’s exculpatory letter to the MMD national secretary to create an impression that we have a crisis in the party, says Dora Siliya (left).

During a briefing yesterday where she responded to Mangani’s exculpatory letter concerning his meeting with PF member Judith Kapijimpanga, Siliya, the MMD spokesperson, said the impression which had been created that the MMD was under threat was totally outrageous.

"MMD is a very strong party; people are able to see what the party stands for. They cannot identify with other parties. That letter was an internal correspondence between Mangani and the national secretary so as the MMD we are not having any problems. We are on course to win this year's elections," Siliya said.

Asked what the party would do about the fears raised by Mangani in his letter, Siliya responded: “that matter is being dealt with internally, it’s just unfortunate that people thought it wise to bring out the letter in the media.”

She claimed that the MMD had never felt as strong going by the accolades they had received.
“What makes the MMD a great party is that individuals have a right to express themselves on opinions and that is what Mangani has done in his exculpatory letter,” Siliya said.

On opposition PF leader Michael Sata’s statement that some Cabinet ministers would defect to his party towards the general elections, Siliya responded: “I don’t believe any member of parliament or minister would lose their senses and head to a sinking boat. If it is true, it will be a laughable matter because why would anyone head to a sinking boat?”

On PF national chairperson Inonge Wina's assertions that the MMD was on the deathbed, Siliya said the statement was one of those “hot air statements” meant to fill the newspapers.

And Siliya advised Change Life Zambia executive director Fr Frank Bwalya to leave politics for politicians and go back to the pulpit quietly, following attacks on him by suspected MMD cadres in Solwezi on Sunday.