Parliament in Zambia has been debating a proposal to withhold the $100,000 pension granted to the former President, Kenneth Kaunda, on the grounds that he had not fully retired from politics.

MPs from the ruling party, the Movement for Multiparty Democracy accused Mr Kaunda of conduct unworthy of a former head of state.

One MP, Chrisford Ngulube, said Mr Kaunda spent his time in foreign capitals insulting the government which was taking care of him.

He said the pension would be better spent on helping the poor peasant farmers on whose behalf Mr Kaunda claimed to speak.

Another MP, David Kapangalwendo, described Mr Kaunda as a "ghost worker" and said: "We cannot continue paying a ghost."

'Could backfire'

One of Mr Kaunda's supporters sprang to his defence, warning that removing the pension would set a precedent which might one day backfire against President Frederick Chiluba.

Closing the debate, Vice-President Christon Tembo, said that the government would not withhold the pension.

He added: "All I can ask for is prayers for Mr Kaunda so that he can redeem himself."

The former president left Zambia on Monday. It is not known where or why he went.