Tag Archives: FND

Law and order

Forum for National Development chides MERA for halting Kachaje recruitment report release

Maravi Post Reporter

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s social right body Forum for National Development (FND) has expressed concern over actions of the board of Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority (MERA) after the board took a court order to stop the Ombudsman from releasing a report into alleged maladministration in the recruitment of MERA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Henry Kachaje.

In a statement dated November 11, 2021 and signed by its Chairperson Bright Kampaundi and National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi, FND says what the MERA did is obstructing the work of the Ombudsman and is a deliberate effort to stop the public from knowing the truth of what happened during the recruitment process.

“The Constitution already has a remedy for redress as the determination by the Ombudsman can be challenged at the high court. We therefore, wonder why MERA Board prematurely stopped the Ombudsman from doing her constitutional mandate. We urge the Ombudsman to apply to the courts and vacate the injunction obtained thereafter, make the findings official and public.

“We have written the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Malawi National Assembly, to Institute and investigation on the conduct of MERA Board and should they be found wanting and negligible to the events so far, appropriate remedial action must be taken,” reads the statement.

FND has since said that as a complainant to the matter, it is looking forward to the conclusion of the issue and that it has set record straight in as far as public institutions are carrying out their mandates.

Ombudsman Grace Malera was expected to present the report on November 10, 2021 but after the presentation started, two ladies served her with an injunction not to present the report to the public.

However, the report has leaked on social media and in the report, Malera directed MERA to nullify appointment of Kachaje because Kachaje did not qualify for the job at the time he was hired.

Meanwhile Ombudsman has vowed to challenge the injunction.

Malawi

FND chides President Mutharika for conniving with Indian family to deport Chandrasheker More; calls for genuine probe

Ausborn Banda

chandrasheker More

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)- One of the country’s civil society organization, Forum for National Development (FND), on Monday took a swipe at President Peter Mutharika for conniving with a powerful Indian family, that led to the deportation of one of the country’s businessmen, Chandrasheker More, on grounds of tax evasion and insulting law enforcers.

The organization accuses President Mutharika for being captivated by the powerful Indian family whose relationship went sour with More, hence the deportation.

The CSO questioned Malawi Government silence on More’s business partners, who up to-date, have not been arrested, despite the “powerful Indian family” being at the centre of cash-gate and numerous corruption scandals.

FND fears that if the matter is not handled well, it will create a diplomatic spat predicting that Malawi stands to lose more, since India is Malawi’s biggest export market, coupled with credit facilities Malawi enjoys from it.

In a press statement, issued on Monday and made available to The Maravi Post, and signed by its National Coordinator, Chairperson and concerned citizens Fryson Chodzi, Bright Kampaundi, and Chikumbutso Mtumodzi, respectively, FND demands Government explanation to Malawians on the allegations about the State being captivated by the Asian family.

It clearly reads that enough of leaving particular families or the State President’s friends untouched when these are embroiled in corrupt practices.

FDN also calls on Government to explain why it deported Mr. More, who is alleged to have evaded tax without the nation getting the money back.

It adds that Government must explain why it is afraid to let More face justice and doesn’t even want him to appear in court.

“We challenge the Government to release the files and records of the offence that Mr. More is alleged to have committed which led to his deportation, and the measures that the Government undertook to bring Mr. More to justice.

“The Government should come up with a statement clearing the mist that has been precipitated by the confusion created on the deportation of Mr. More. We are saying this because, Malawi is geared to attract foreign direct investments as one way of strengthening the economy. However, the (kid-glove) treatment of Mr. More, will retard would-be investors, and this will render the Government investment drive initiative useless”, reads the statement in part.

FND therefore calls upon Government to investigate the role and allegations leveled on the Asian family who partnered and swindled More, especially that the family seems to be powerful and untouchable and has the whole State under its armpits.

But in an interview with The Maravi Post ?Monday night?, Presidential Secretary Mgeme Kalirani, disputed the FND claims of the State House being captivated by the unknown powerful Indian family.

Kalirani said the statement and allegations lack sound basis, and that the President’s name is just being maliciously dragged in the mud for no substantive reason.

“The President is being accused of links to an undisclosed family. Allegations are being made against an undisclosed individual at State House. How will we discuss the unknown family and the undisclosed individuals? That will be a wild discussion,” said Kalirani.