Mutesa bemoans insults in politics

Mutesa bemoans insults in politics
By Bright Mukwasa and Fridah Nkonde
Tue 19 June 2012, 13:24 CAT

IT'S unfortunate that insults have become part of our political culture, says Zambians for Empowerment and Development president Dr Fred Mutesa.

And former Copperbelt Province National Restoration Party coordinator Kennedy Simpemba says well-meaning opposition leaders should rise up and speak out against UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema's careless talk.

Dr Mutesa said in an interview yesterday that moderation in political discourse and reactions to political provocations was something all those involved in politics must embrace.

Dr Mutesa appealed to all Zambians to encourage President Michael Sata as he made the transition from a vocal opposition leader.

"On his part, President Sata must brace himself and become thick-skinned. He does not need to reply to every criticism. It is unfortunate that insults have become part of our political culture. We must all work to change this," Dr Mutesa said.

Dr Mutesa said Zambians, who decide to choose governments through the ballot box, should be left as the final judges on the kind of language they approved from politicians.

He said critics of the opposition also needed to desist from making blanket condemnation of opposition politicians, because not all opposition leaders believed the only way to become popular in politics was to treat rivals as enemies.

"We do not see politics as a zero-sum game where one can only be effective if they are in government or wish those in government failure so that they can be viewed as the alternative. Likewise, the ruling party has a responsibility to ensure that those in opposition perform their role in an environment that is free from threats and intimidation," said Dr Mutesa.

"The people that we claim to represent are overburdened by poverty and would like to see politicians compete on ideas that seek to ameliorate their suffering. To do this effectively, mutual respect is required from all of us."

And Simpemba said it was unfortunate that Hichilema was practicing politics of self-centredness and individualism.

Simpemba said there was need for opposition political leaders to behave in a much more responsible manner because Hichilema's behaviour lacked patriotism.
He said opposition leaders needed to take people's aspirations at heart by behaving in a manner that people they represent would be proud of.

"Zambia is a Christian Nation and this just has to be reflected in the people. We all have responsibilities as citizens to make Zambia a better place for all of us now and our future generation. It is important to behave in a way that upholds the rule of law. We should learn to accept that there can only be one president at a time, chosen by God. That is why we should all condemn Hichilema's insults on the President in the strongest language possible," Simpemba said.

Simpemba said there was nothing wrong with trading politics of objectivity and supporting President Sata so as to help him work according to people's expectations.

He urged other opposition leaders who were still bitter with the PF's victory to refrain from such vices.

Simpemba said there was need for Hichilema to apologise to the President and the entire country for peace's sake.

He further condemned Hichilema's utterances that PF was sponsoring youths to go to Sudan to train as militia.

"HH is a human being just like anyone else. He shouldn't destroy the peace that we are enjoying by alarming the nation with such kind of utterances," said Simpemba.