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Mwanawasa pans 'ignorant' MPs
28/08/2007 14:55 - (SA)
Lusaka - Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has launched an outspoken attack on his own cabinet, accusing ministers of being ignorant of the country's proposed new constitution, say reports.
Mwanawasa said only two of his ministers had demonstrated a clear understanding of the constitutional proposals, which had sparked heated debate in the former British colony while the rest had remained silent.
Mwanawasa was quoted as saying: "There is too much ignorance of what the constitution says and what should be done. Unfortunately, I am sad to confess that ministers are the major culprits."
He said that any minister who did not agree with his position on the constitution should resign rather than just keep quiet.
Mwanawasa said: "You have an option to quit, there are no two ways about it."
The president's comments came after the parliament passed a law that would establish a broad-based conference to debate the text of the proposed new constitution before it was finally enacted into law.
The new constitution seeks to reduce the powers of the president and enhance human rights but Mwanawasa has been accused in some quarters of a lack of consultation.
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