The Minister of Economic Planning and Development Atupele Muluzi has resigned from his cabinet post in the administration of President Joyce Banda.

This was announced in a statement issued today (Nov 12). It comes a few days after he was elected UDF chairperson and a couple of hours before parliament starts meeting in Lilongwe.

In the statement, Mr. Muluzi, who is UDF Machinga North East MP, has cited what called ‘divisive politics’ being pursued by some members of government in the recent past.

The son of former president Bakili Muluzi was among some officials from the opposition who were appointed to cabinet positions after president Banda took office following the death of her predecessor Bingu wa Mutharika in April 2012.

Part of the statement reads: “An inclusive cabinet government entails working in collective unison to secure economic recovery and harmonise our divisive politics.

“I was thus appalled an mortified by the public comments recently uttered against me by some members of the government in a manner that lacked the courtesy, mutual respect and dignity that is expected between colleagues who strive together in pursuit of common cause – to serve the people of Malawi selflessly and to the best of one’s abilities.

“I therefore as a matter of principle, do not believe that I can continue to serve as a member of the cabinet with the honor and dignity that is requisite for the performance of such duties and responsibilities incumbent with such a position.

“I am immensely grateful to her Excellency the President Mrs. Joyce Banda for having me the opportunity to serve in her cabinet and the people of Malawi within mu modest capacity. I am also grateful to the Deputy Minister, P.S and staff at the ministry of Economic Planning and Development for their support during my time as Minister.”

Recent press reports have been quoting ruling PP officials as demeaning Muluzi as being an immature leader who cannot be president of the nation.

There was wide speculation that Muluzi will not keep his cabinet post after he was elected UDF chair and the automatic presidential candidate for the party in the 2014 general elections.