LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s National Advocacy Platform (NAP) has rebuked Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs for endorsing the Director of Public Prosecutions’ (DPP) decision to discontinue Vice President Saulos Chilima bribery case.
The grouping observes that decision undermines fight against corruption carries significant implications for the rule of law and public trust.
NAP Chairperson Benedicto Kondowe told The Maravi Post in an interview that the Legal Affairs Committee must demonstrate and pursue the interests of Malawians.
“Lest it becomes an accomplice in perpetuating corruption. This is essential for maintaining transparency, fairness, and credibility in anti-corruption efforts,” observes Kondowe.
He is reacting to the Legal Affairs Committee’s endorsement of the Director of DPP’s decision to discontinue a case on national security grounds upon summoning at Malawi Parliament on Tuesday, May 22, 2024.
Committee Chairperson Peter Dimba disclosed that the team unanimously sustained a decision by the DPP Masauko Chamkakala to discontinue the alleged corruption case involving the Chilima because it also involved the Malawi Defence Force.
But the NAP chairperson observes differently on the decision, “The fight against corruption carries significant implications for the rule of law and public trust”.
“While aiming to protect sensitive information, this move could be perceived as a cover-up, potentially using security concerns to shield corrupt activities and making the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) a footprint for corruption, excluded from taxpayer oversight”.
Kondowe added, “Additionally, the DPP’s selective resuscitation of cases risks perceptions of bias and unequal justice, eroding public confidence in the judiciary. To prevent potential abuse of power, it is crucial to reform the law to include prediscontinuance scrutiny, ensuring decisions are based on legal principles rather than personal or political motivations.
“The Legal Affairs Committee must demonstrate and pursue the interests of Malawians, lest it becomes an accomplice in perpetuating corruption. This is essential for maintaining transparency, fairness, and credibility in anti-corruption efforts.
However, Dimba said the committee resolved that DPP should resuscitate failed Paramount Holding Limited against Luthando Holdings on Yamaha dealership case.
But The DPP Masauko Chamkakala denied to granting interviews to the press after the meeting.