I am my own man –Atupele

Lawmaker Atupele Muluzi says he will not be a shadow of his father, former president Bakili Muluzi, if he decides to run for the country's presidency saying he has his own style.

Machinga North East Parliamentarian has been subject of 2014 presidential candidacy.

He told Capital Radio’s  Straight Talk progrmme on Tuesday that he is his own man.

"I am my own man. I have always been my own man," said the younger Muluzi.

Atupele: I will fight my own battles

He was asked by interviewer Brian Banda, if the legacy of his father who ruled Malawi from 1994 to 2004 will have a bearing for his political future.

"One of the things that we cannot do in life is choosing who our parents are. But it is not for us to necessary do what our parents have done. We have our challenges in life, our own battles," he said.

During the interview, Banda in his probing questions, asked Atupele to state clearly if he is going to run for presidency in 2014.

"Brian, this is a subject matter which has been in the media and all the listeners are all aware of this question and anticipation as whether I will be presenting myself for the presidency.

"A decision to run for a president of a country is a profound decision. It's a decision that must not be made on media hype or personal ambitions alone," he responded calmly.

"We have huge problems in this country and the decision like that would need to encompass not only bring on board the support of the family but also the nation at large," he enthused.

The younger Muluzi disclosed: "I would like to go on a listening tour throughout the country. I want to meet as many ordinary Malawians and I would like to stimulate a discussion about the future not just about the party but for this country."

Banda also asked Atupele to clarify if he will be of eligible age to qualify as a presidential candidate in 2014 as the constitution allows one to contest from the age of 35.

"I am 33. I was born 1978," he informed, adding "There is a lot of things that I am hearing that is part of propaganda."

The presenter also quizzed him on his academic qualifications.

"I trained as a solicitor in the United Kingdom. I studied at the University of Leciester," he responded.

He said he obtained a law degree and then enrolled at College of Law in London.

"My major was in corporate finance. I have LLB degree in economics and law," he said.

Muluzi said he was a member of law society in England and Wales but when he returned to Malawi he could not practise as he did not join the state chambers or enrolled with the University of Malawi as the requirements then.

Asked what he would offer as solutions to the current political and economic situation in the country, Atupele called for a united front above political affiliations to rebuild the nation.

He commended government for starting to act on concerns raised by Malawians.

"I am pleased to see that cabinet has been reduced. This will also help in terms of streamlining expenditure," said the lawmaker.

"There is a pro-active attempt being demonstrated by the executive that there is willingness to start a discussion of how we can resolve some of the problems, "added the younger Muluzi who stays away from politics of confrontation.

"We need to work together as a nation on how to resolve these problems," he stressed.

Pressed to state what he has achieved in life to qualify him to aspire for top most job, Atupele who admires US president Barack Obama said: "Obama when he was running for office he was written off. He was labelled as a novice, same thing happened to Tony Blair and David Cameroon [of Britain]. Obama was a first term senator. I have served more than Obama in parliament. "

Banda asked Atupele if he was a role model, "you have kids outside wedlock, what does that mean on your image and as a role model?"

"Outside wedlock," asked Atupele.

"You are not married that's what we know," said Banda.

"I have had a traditional marriage (with Angella Zachepa), that is a marriage. I have a family, we live as a family.  We are grateful to God that we have two beautiful children, healthy," said Atupele.

Atupele stressed that Malawians should ensure unity and progress of the country.

Brian Banda interviewing Atupele Muluzi for Straight Talk. Photo: Brian Banda Facebook album

Nyasa Times 14 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/national/i-am-my-own-man-%e2%80%93atupele/
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