The Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD) spokesperson Dora Siliya has charged that negative criticism targeted at Republican Vice President George Kunda is tantamount to criticizing the appointing authority.
Ms. Siliya who is also Education Minister says that following the national Executive committee (NEC) meeting on Saturday, it was critical that dismissed the Works and Supply Minister Mike Mulongoti had to be suspended as MMD chairman for elections.
She says there is need to restore discipline in the ruling party adding that all members have to follow the ideals of the party.
The MMD spokesperson, however, acknowledges that it is was hard to make such a decision on Mr. Mulongoti stressing that the rights of an individual in any grouping have to be balanced with those of the majority.
Ms. Siliya further says that it was unfounded for Mr. Mulongoti to publicly issue personal attack on the Vice President and that people should have confidence in the office by showing respect to leaders.
President Rupiah Banda on Saturday dismissed Mulongoti and revoked his nomination as Member of Parliament for issuing public attacks on Vice president Kunda.
President Banda said such conduct is likely to divide the MMD and government.
Meanwhile, UPND vice president Richard Kapita says the dismissal of Mike Mulongoti as works and supply minister is an indication that democracy does not exist in the ruling MMD.
Mr. Kapita questions the motive behind republican president Rupiah Banda’s dismissal of somebody considered close to him.
He says the MMD should have allowed democracy to prevail during its forthcoming convention, other than using intimidation to silencing party members with intentions to challenge for positions at the convention set for 5th to 7th April in Kabwe.
But the Patriotic Front Munali Member of Parliament has welcomed the sacking of Mulongoti from government.
Mumbi Phiri says Mr. Mulongoti has been taught a lesson because he has always thought that he was untouchable.
She says politicians should learn a lesson from Mr. Mulongoti’s political ladder, not think that they own the nation.
[ QFM ]
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Ba Siliya we know that In MMD people like Mabenga, Shikapwasha, Chituwo are not in the inner circle. One wrong foot they are out. The RB inner circle is composed by to mention a few Nyangu, Siliya, William Banda even Nkhondo Lungu although is Unip is very much part of that coven.Even Kunda himself has to behave himself because he is just a front not an insider
“…the ideals of the party” in MMD means “Do NOT COMPETE AGAINST AUTHORITY. Now this is not only intellectually bankrupt, it is also immoral, inhuman and at its worst, since Zambia is a christian nation, unGODLY. Mulongoti was free to counter an allegation that Kunda worked hard to bring in Ruphia in MMD. He then countered that and said he also worked hard to ensure that Ruphia is president. Both Kunda and Mulongoti according to Ruphia were wrong because actually the person who brought Ruphia to MMD was Aka –
Dora be careful my lady. Watch your back and make sure you are in good books with Chiluba. You will not last long in MMD. I know you are intelligent and occasionally you want your intelligence to come out – you will disagree with Ruphia and that will be the end of you in govt.
there’s no democracy in MMD..
I feel for Dora and her boss. Gadaffi is hanging on for dear life.Is the Zamtel deal going to last? That is food for thought for RB and his minions. Whoever signed the Zamtel deal withGadaffi must be having some sleepless nights. watch this space in the coming weeks as events unfold in Libya. I wish all the people who were envolved in the sale of Zamtel all the best.
President Banda said such conduct is likely to divide the MMD and government.
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I dissagree with this statement. Problems within MMD should be treated separatly.
I be pleased if the Zambian gvt could have a president who does not belong to any political party. S/he could welcome any member from any party elected to work for the benefit of the gvt NOT a one sided gvt made up of all or majority members from the ruling party. It is like fielding a club for national team cos the coach hauled from that club.
siliya seems to be enjoying power
As Libya goes….So does ZamTel, hehehehehehehehehe! We are going to get our asset back and jail all tjhose who sold it illegally to the dictator.