President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has trashed the claims made by Presidential Press Officer Gerald Viola in an exclusive in interview on Saturday on Times TV that he is planning to purchase another Presidential Jet once the economy is back on track, saying it’s not true.

Viola is also quoted as saying that most of the appointments at State House are done by Presidential aides vindicating the claims made by Z Allan Ntata that Mutharika is a ‘puppet President’.

Viola categorically pointed out the appointment of Fredrick Ndala and Timpunza Mwansambo, saying the two were fired because Mutharika did not endorse their appointments.

Reacting to the claims, Minister of Information Tourism and Civic Education Jappie Mhango trashed the claims through a statement made available to FaceofMalawi.

“Neither the State President nor any Ministry or any government agencies have these alleged plans to procure any presidential jet now or in future.

“The State President’s commitment in exercising financial prudence and cutting down on unnecessary expenditure remains as ever before,” reads the statement in part.

He added: “Malawi Government wishes to inform all Malawians that it is the State President that makes appointments through a process that involves submission of at least three proposed names to a position complete with Curriculum Vitae (CVs) by the Chief Secretary from which His Excellency makes the appointments after thorough scrutiny of the individuals.”

Viola replaced Mwansambo at State House who was fired for drawing two salaries from State House and Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).