Umodzi Party (UP) President John Chisi has attacked President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for stopping the country’s national independence cerebrations due to financial hiccups, saying the reason is baseless.

Malawi celebrates Independence Day Celebrations on July 6 every year and this year the celebration was slated for next week Wednesday but government has called off the celebrations.

Making the announcement earlier this week, Chief Secretary to government George Mkondiwa said the only event to take place on the day will be a national service of worship at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe and President Mutharika will be in attendance.

But the announcement did not please Chisi who said Mutharika is lying that the government is broke at the moment.

Chisi questioned Mutharika’s frequent trips across the country and the condition of service that Members of Parliament are demanding.

He said government is having enough money for the event but the money is being embezzled by view individuals.