‘MCP embarrassed at Gomani’s funeral’
BY Caroline Somanje
06:34:47 - 31 October 2006

Opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) says it was extremely embarrassed during the state funeral of late Inkosi ya Makosi Gomani III in Ntcheu on Sunday.

MCP vice president, Nicholas Dausi said the party was appalled at the lack of recognition and protocol for its leadership present at the funeral.

“We had to scout for seats and it was only John Tembo, our president, who had a reserved seat.

“With the late chief Gomani having served as a Parliamentarian in 1961 and District Commissioner, all under the MCP regime, we thought it would have been wise to accord Tembo time to speak and lay a wreath

“Instead it was a shame that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) zealots, hoodlums and sycophants were allowed to completely take over a state function”.

Gausi also said in a democratic state, every branch of government deserved to be accorded rightful protocol and recognition.

He also noted that the speaker of parliament, Louis Chimango was ‘disgracefully’ overlooked adding, “That is why we boycott state functions. Why should we attend function only to be embarrassed?”

However, information and tourism minister, Patricia Kaliyati blamed MCP for not lobbying for due recognition.

“Issues of programming and wreath laying have nothing to do with government. That is a family issue and MCP should have linked with the Gomani family. Again it was up to the family to recognise Tembo on its own,” Kaliyati said.

She said as far as she recalls, leader of opposition, the speaker of parliament, cabinet ministers and all members of parliament were saluted and does not understand what Dausi was complaining about.