CHIEF Government spokesperson, Mike Mulongoti, has asked former President, Frederick Chiluba, to prove allegations that Government departments have been directed to close accounts with the Zambia National Commercial Bank in preference to Finance Bank. Mr Mulongoti, who is also Minister of Information and Broadcasting Services, said in a statement yesterday that Dr Chiluba was telling lies that Government departments had been requested to transfer their insurance policies from the Zambia State Insurance Corporation to Professional Insurance Corporation which, like Finance Bank, is owned by Dr Rajan Mahtani.
“Why sink so low? As for management of public finances, it is common knowledge that this Government is open and transparent in its dealings,†Mr Mulongoti said.
“Mistakes will be made and since it is human beings involved, you can’t expect angelic behaviour,†he said.
He said this was the reason there was greater disclosure of wrong doing in the current Government than was the case in the previous administration.
Mr Mulongoti said the fact that Dr Chiluba had been found liable of theft of public funds by a London court and was still appearing in court for other cases, was evident of how bad his regime was.
He said millions of dollars were not only misappropriated by Government officials but were also stolen by some former leaders who were now masquerading as angels.
The minister said it was “surprising that even when he was in the intensive care unit, Dr Chiluba still engaged in mudslinging and noise-making against Government.â€
He said each time Dr Chiluba came from hospital, he chose to provoke the government leadership and the MMD instead of using the “little energy he remained with for recuperation.â€
“We would like to see him recover completely so that the issues surrounding his participation in the plunder of national resources could be cleared and have him rehabilitated as a good citizen once again,†Mr Mulongoti said.
He said as former president, Dr Chiluba should consider this time as a period to rest and enjoy his retirement rather than contesting for popularity.
He also said it was absurd for Dr Chiluba to say President Mwanawasa’s Government should not claim and credit for the projects initiated by the previous administration.
He said Dr Mwanawasa’s Government carried forward the projects and implemented them successfully.
“What Dr Chiluba should know is that it is not enough that an outgoing administration leaves certain programmes in place, but that the success of such programmes is dependent on the policies and effectiveness of the new administration,†Mr Mulongoti said.
He said in matters involving foreign investment, what counted most was the confidence investors had in the new administration.
He said there was every reason for the current Government to claim credit for the mushrooming projects in the mining and manufacturing sectors in the
past six years.
The minister said mining and other industries that had sprung up in the last six years were as a result of the good policies Government had put in place and the confidence that had been instilled in investors.
“When Dr Chiluba came into power in 1991, he found a number of projects initiated by Dr Kaunda’s regime which included schools, hospitals and roads.
These were good and Government maintained and expanded on them,†he said.
Mr Mulongoti said the coming of President Mwanawasa into power instilled fresh confidence in investors.
The minister said while it remained the MMD’s policy to divest Government of commercial business, Dr Mwanawasa’s administration had acted with caution to ensure that the privatised companies continued with their businesses, retained workers and contributed to the national treasury through tax.
Mr Mulongoti said this policy, coupled with increased focus on attracting foreign investors, had taken Zambia to a new level of confidence that resulted in major investment inflows in new mines and manufacturing.
He said it was true that some of the current successful mining projects in the country might have been initiated during Dr Chiluba’s Government
[Daily Mail]
Bwana Mulongoti sir, sometimes it pays just to think criticaly of the issues raised. Chiluba is a citizen of Zambia like any other, and he has a right and freedom to express himself. It is sad that everytime any issue is raised bwana Mulongoti you just react immediately. Thats not what it means to be chief. You think chiluba can speak without any basis ? First you should have consulted Magande before reacting. To tell you the truth, the hour has come, and very soon you will be quite. ask Chuchu
MMD is a always reactional to stories…when are they going to deliver? Leave Chiluba alone to speak his mind..he is citizen of zambia and has rights like Mulongoti! You will not defend MMD at the ballot in 2011!
mulongoti! what is the problem with zambian politicians? give them a dose of power and they feel so untouchable. keep in mind mulongoti the same law that is after ftj now will unleased unto you once the government changes hands.
Learn2 speak fairly en bear in mind da fact that times change.