The state prosecutor in Malawi has dropped charges against a leading member of the opposition, Dr.

Hetherwick Ntaba, who had risked a two-year jail term after being accused of insulting President Bakili Muluzi.

A newspaper had quoted Dr.

Ntaba as describing the president as a silly and brainless man who had run out of ideas.

Dr Ntaba said he had never believed there was a case, but it was a relief it had been dropped.Asked what he now thought of the president, Dr Ntaba said he did not think he was doing his job correctly and that the Malawi economy was in a shambles.

He denied that he now censored his criticisms.