Former President Bakili Muluzi says the discontinuance of his alleged K1.7 billion corruption case which went on for 17 years was enough vindication that he never took even a single tambala from government coffers.
Speaking during a Times Television Exclusive programme, he insisted that the money he received from the late Libyan President Colonel Muammar Gaddafi was personal.
“It’s not good to be ignorant, there’s no money which can come from outside Malawi without going through Account number one at Reserve Bank. No! So how can I get K1.7 billion meant for government? Gaddafi would give me money openly and I also had friends to assist me during elections and they thought that money was meant for government.
“When they decided to drop the case, even my lawyers agreed that there was indeed no case, I was just suffering for nothing starting from the legal fees”.
On a lighter note, when asked about his marital status, the 78-year old divorcee jokingly stated that there might be someone adding that if he finds someone, he might consider settling down.
“I get calls from women subtly expressing their interest trying to see how Iam, how is Kapoloma village? On a serious note, these are things one has to take very seriously before making a decision. When the time comes you’ll be given an invitation card when there’s a woman”
He advised Malawians not to take democracy for granted and continue to be united.
The former President served in different portfolios such as Deputy Minister of Education, and was also Transport and Communication Minister when he was below 30.
Among others, he cited freedom of the press, establishment of governance institution such as the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC), Ombudsman as some of the highlights during his term.
Additionally, he cited the free primary education which saw numbers shooting from 1.9 million to 3.8 million learners which he said is a great achievement and put enrollment at 74 percent.
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