By Isaac Zulu
Former Chitambo Member of Parliament (MMD) Mushili Malama says the effects of the UPND policies will only be felt after the new government settles down and operationalise its own budget.
In a statement to Daily Revelation, Malama said it is irrational for people to start urging President Hakainde Hichilema and his government to start delivering on their campaign promises when the UPND administration is not even nine months in government.
The former Chitambo lawmaker pointed out that the UPND government needs to settle down, formulate and actualise its own budget in order for the “New Dawn” government’s policies to effectively implement its policies; hence it would be prudent to give President Hakainde Hichilema ample time so that he and his team can start delivering on their campaign promises.
Malama stated that individuals criticising President Hichilema for not starting to deliver on the UPND’s campaign promises are doing so with malice.
“From the speeches, pronouncements and commitments that he has made on behalf of the UPND, one would say that President Hakainde Hichilema means well for this country. But what is important is for the Zambian people to exercise some patience as the man [Hakainde Hichilema] and his administration settle down. The UPND government needs to settle down. Let them formulate and actualise their own budget that will speak to party manifesto and policies,” said Malama. “ That is when the new government will be seen to effectively implement its policies. Therefore, it would be prudent to give President Hakainde Hichilema ample time so that he and his team can start delivering on their campaign promises. For now, I can say that individuals that are criticising the current Head of State for not starting to deliver on the UPND campaign promises are doing that with malice. It is irrational for some people to start urging President Hakainde Hichilema and his government to immediately start delivering on their campaign promises when the UPND administration is not even nine months in government.”
Malama said the UPND political opponents that the New Dawn government is currently carrying out government functions using the Patriotic Front budget, which he said is not in consonant with the UPND party manifesto and policies, stating that it is difficult for the ruling party to align its policies to those of the Patriotic Front.
