Speaking to MBC this week Phiri confessed that he cherishes moments when the late Mutharika would call him to consult on some of his publications.

“He was a man who developed this country without looking at regions and where one comes from. He appointed people into positions based on their qualification and I think that’s what leaders should learn from him,” said Phiri.

Phiri further said he cherishes moments when the late president would call him to ask and consult on some of their publications.

“We could share publications and even books, he was a man of high intellectual capacity who could dream and think development,” added Phiri.

Commemoration of his death will take place and Ndata Farm in Thyolo and Arthur President Peter Mutharika will lead the nation in remembering him.

The late Bingu wa Mutharika died in office during his second term of leadership on 5 April, 2012 after collapsing to cardiac arrest.

He was born Brightson Webster Ryson Thom on 24 February 1934 in Thyolo to Ryson Thom Mutharika and Eleni Thom Mutharika.