Malawi transport minister resigns

Malawian Minister of Transport and Public Works Sidik Mia, who was also vice president for the ruling People's Party (PP) announced his resignation Friday. Mia, an influential politician in the south, made the unexpected announcement to journalists in Blantyre, Malawi's largest commercial city located in the southern region. "I have arrived at this decision after serious consultations with my family members and I would like to lead private life," Mia told journalists. Rumors are rife that he has been tipped for running-mate by the country's leading opposition, Malawi Congress Party, whose May 20 presidential candidate, Lazarus Chakwera, is from the center. But the former cabinet minister declined to comment much on the rumor, saying "only time will tell" what his next move will be. President Joyce Banda, founder of the ruling PP, is yet to react to the development.