UTM presidential hopeful Newton Kambala has stressed the need for Malawians to embrace modern politics that prioritise the country’s welfare over self-serving systems.
Speaking in Ntcheu District during a meeting with party delegates from the Upper Shire, in preparation for the upcoming elective conference on November 17, Kambala, an engineer and accomplished businessman, stressed the importance of moving away from politics driven by selfish gains.
Responding to a question about his potential leadership of UTM and the possibility of Mary Chilima becoming the party’s candidate for the 2025 Presidential Elections, Kambala said:
“When tragedy struck on June 10 with the passing of Dr. Saulos Chilima, our former vice president, the party was engulfed in uncertainty. Some members suggested that Mrs. Chilima should take over immediately, but we felt it was too soon. She needed time to mourn her beloved husband, and we believed she would make her decision when ready,
“Some argue that it’s too late now, with the convention approaching where we will elect a new president. However, I disagree. If I am elected as the party president and Mrs. Chilima later expresses interest in being the UTM torchbearer, I will support her candidacy.
“It is entirely possible for her to serve as the country’s president while I remain the party president. No law mandates that party presidents must also be the presidential candidates. Unfortunately, many politicians in our country are driven by selfishness and greed. We need to adopt modern politics where individuals serve because they are capable, not because they are power-hungry,” Kambala said.
He added that, aside from Mary Chilima, he believes no one else in the party possesses the leadership qualities he does.
Kambala also described other contenders for the party presidency as loud and rhetorical, lacking substantive leadership qualities.
According to him, leadership positions within UTM need to be awarded to individuals who have demonstrated capability, passion, and sacrifice for the party.
He warned against entrusting these roles to outsiders who might exploit the party for personal gain.
“Let’s give positions to people who are capable, those who have already shown passion and sacrificed for the party. If we give them to strangers, it will be the end of UTM, as they will only seek to sell it to the highest bidder,” Kambala said.
Following the death of Chilima, many believed UTM was finished. However, Kambala said that the party remains strong.
He pointed out that he decided to run for the presidency to prevent others from taking over and potentially selling out the party.
“The vision led by Chilima is what has inspired me to be here, and we will continue it,” he said.
Kambala also stressed his commitment to continuing the Rescue Malawi Mission, the foundation upon which the party was built.
He fondly described the late Chilima as “mng’ono wanga, mtsogoleri wanga, mwana wanga komanso mzanga wa pamtima” (my younger brother, my leader, my child, and my close friend).
