After failing to topple the vice-president Joyce Banda in a civilian coup, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has appointed the anointed leader of the party Peter Mutharika to be its leader in parliament replacing George Chaponda.

Secretary General of the DPP Wakuda Kamanga confirmed in an interview yesterday that the party agreed to change the leadership of the party.

No reasons have been given for this change of leadership and why Chaponda has been removed. Both Chaponda and Mutharika were some of the incompetent ministers in the previous government.

Chaponda made Malawi famous for failing to understand a bill on polluting the air despite his acclaimed law qualifications. He proclaimed Malawi was going to prosecute farting in public spaces

“We had a meeting last week where we agreed to change leadership in parliament, we now have new people who will be led by Peter Mutharika,” he said.

According to Kamanga, Mutharika is deputised by Goodall Gondwe, the Chief Whip is Wictor Songa za Udzu Sajeni and Lonnie Chijere Chirwa is his deputy.

On the number of DPP MPs who have defected to the People’s Party, the Secretary General said he is yet to receive communication.

“So far I haven’t received any communication from our MPs informing me that they have resigned from the DPP. We will see on Friday when parliament meets,” he said.

But Leader of the House Henry Phoya told MIJ radio yesterday morning that about 110 MPs have indicated to sit on the government side.

So far its only United Democratic Front (UDF) which has declared officially that it would sit on the government side in parliament.

Kamanga, however, promised Malawians to expect a reasonable, constructive solid opposition in parliament.