FORMER Vice-President Dr Guy Scott says he feels relieved and pleased that President Hakainde Hichilema won the presidential elections, stating that Zambia is definitely in safe hands.

And Dr Scott has cautioned the UPND administration to be wary of some tricky operators in the government system who may want to continue operating in a “business-as-usual” manner.

In an interview, Dr Scott said seven years ago, Zambia entered a phase of government where the quest for personal power took centre stage.

He added that the previous regime had limited people’s freedoms and had little interest in the progress and reputation of the nation.

“Yes, my first involvement in elections was helping my father when I was 12, standing for election on a pro-Independence platform in 1956. Since then, all my political efforts have been focused on building a better future for all Zambians and there is no need for poverty or hunger or suffering in our country. Seven years ago, we entered a phase of government where the quest for personal power and gain took center stage, pushing aside the interests of our population. Since then, I have done all I can to help put us on a much, much better path,” Dr Scott said.

“I am feeling very relieved and pleased. Like many people, I felt that the previous regime had limited our freedoms, and had little interest in our progress and reputation as a nation. Yesterday’s inauguration was a huge step in the right direction. President Hichilema has been very successful in his life, coming from a village background to success in his business and family life. He and I share the feeling that we have a great debt to our country, Zambia, and that we want to help build a better future for all Zambians. I know his commitment is to build a strong legacy and to be remembered as one of Zambia’s great Presidents. Besides his obvious capacity as a leader and statesman, his uncompromised commitment to Zambia means he is most definitely safe hands.”

Meanwhile, Dr Scott cautioned the UPND administration to be wary of some tricky operators in the government system.

“Alongside some great professionals, there are also some very tricky operators in the Government system. There can be an attitude of ‘you found us here, and we will be here when you leave’, which means business as usual, guided by self-interest. One big challenge to the new Government will be to ensure that their plans are efficiently and effectively put into practice and this will require significant changes in some of our ministries and public bodies,” said Dr Scott.