Mr. Mukombwe says it would therefore not serve any purpose if the ruling MMD was to expel the 9 MPs currently serving in the PF government as deputy ministers.

Mr. Mukombwe told QFM in Choma over the weekend that some of the MPs have strong support in their constituencies a situation he says would enable them to win an election without the MMD ticket.

The veteran politician recalled that the MMD under Levy Mwanawasa brought the initiative of engaging the opposition in government a policy he said worked well.

Mr. Mukombwe has since advised MMD leader Nevers Mumba to focus on issues that will build the party.