BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament is facing mounting criticism over its decision to proceed with releasing a report on the controversial hotel sale, despite failing to question several key individuals central to the transaction.
The move has sparked concern among governance experts, who warn that the credibility of the findings could be undermined.
At the centre of the controversy is Zamba, a figure repeatedly referenced in the inquiry but reportedly not called to testify.
Also left out are two prominent property valuers Knight Frank and Garden City Properties alongside the seller, Yusuf Investments.
These entities played a pivotal role in determining the value of the hotel, raising questions about why their perspectives were not formally sought.
Human rights advocate Edward Kambanje has strongly criticized the omission, describing it as both surprising and troubling.
He noted that while some institutions such as FDH Bank and EMJ were invited to provide testimony, those directly responsible for the valuation process were overlooked.
Kambanje argued that the valuation discrepancies alone warrant deeper scrutiny.
According to available information, the property was initially pegged at MK128 billion by the seller, while valuers later assessed it at MK47 billion a massive gap that demands clear explanation.
He emphasized that Yusuf Investments, as the seller, should have been questioned on how it arrived at the MK128 billion valuation.
Similarly, the valuers needed to justify the methodology and assumptions behind the significantly lower figure they presented.
From an accountability standpoint, Kambanje warned that excluding such critical witnesses risks weakening the integrity of the entire investigation.
Without their input, the report may fail to provide a complete picture of how the transaction unfolded.
He further urged PAC to resist the temptation of rushing the report for the sake of expediency. Instead, he suggested that alternative means such as virtual hearings could still be used to engage individuals like Zamba before finalizing the findings.
“Malawians deserve transparency and thoroughness, especially in matters involving public funds,” Kambanje stressed, adding that the credibility of parliamentary oversight is at stake.
There are also fears that releasing a report perceived as incomplete could fuel public suspicion and reinforce narratives of bias, partiality or even negligence within parliamentary processes.
Such perceptions, experts caution, can have long term consequences, including erosion of public trust in key democratic institutions tasked with oversight and governance.
Meanwhile, PAC chairperson Steven Malondera has confirmed that the committee is on track to release its findings within the week, despite the growing calls for a delay.
