UTM leader Saulos Chilima condemned UTM member George Saonda for castigating Malawi Congress Party (MCP) president Lazarus Chakwera and MCP vice president Sidik Mia.
Saonda in his speech at the UTM rally at Nchalo Trading Centre in Chikwawa this afternoon attacked Chakwera and his runningmate Mia saying a “pastor” and a “sheikh” have teamed up but their poltical relationship won’t last long as they will “bite” each other.
Speaking later at the rally, Chilima addressed the issue and warned UTM members against castigating other politicians when speaking during the party’s rallies.
Chilima reminded senior UTM members to be mindful of the language they use to avoid offending other people. He then apologised for Saonda’s remarks.
“I am sorry if what was said on this podium has offended anyone, this is not the aim of this rally. The aim of this rally is to present policies. I am hopeful that in future my fellow senior members will choose their words carefully,” he said.
Chilima then continued his speech by urging people in Chikwawa to vote for UTM in the 2019 elections.
He said his party will end corruption and nepotism, bring new politics and implement development projects aimed at transforming the country.
He said: “We want development policies to be followed by everyone and to improve all sectors of the economy.
“We want people to have three meals a day. Some people claim this is impossible but if having three meals a day is impossible, then what is possible?”
Chilima then promised that starting next year people in Chikwawa will be able to sell their crops such as sorghum, maize and cotton at good prices.
He added that there is a need for government, estate owners and chiefs to discuss the issue of land in Chikwawa and Thyolo.
“The way the population is growing, people will have nowhere to build houses or cultivate crops,” said Chilima.
Chilima also promised piped water for Chikwawa residents saying boreholes are not a sign of progress.
Chilima is right, boreholes are supposed to be used to suck water from the ground for overhead irrigation, that is visionary.