Minister of Civic Education, Culture and Community Development, Patricia Kaliati has defended President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for greeting people at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) using left hand, saying the act is normal and it was started by late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

President Mutharika shocked Malawians upon his arrival at KIA from United Nation General Assembly (UNGA) meeting when he was not able to use his right hand.

The development ignited speculations that Mutharika was not in robust health as earlier communicated by Minister of Information and Communications Technology Malisoni Ndau.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Mchinji where President Mutharika was in attendance, Kaliati accused Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) of making cheap politics over the President’s use of left when greeting people at KIA.

Kaliati said Mutharika’s use of his left hand was normal and the act was started by late Dr. Hastings Kamuzu Banda when he was greeting late Nelson Mandela.

The highly charged Kaliati went further by inviting ZBS journalist to a one to one meeting to show them a picture of Kamuzu greeting Nelson Mandela using left.

Taking the floor, Mutharika told the people of Mchinji that now he is 100 percent fit and they should stop worrying of him.

Mutharika further declared himself as DPP Presidential candidate for the forthcoming 2019 general election.