Focus on tax evasion and money laundering, Mutharika urges Malawi Human Rights Commission

President Peter Mutharika has appealed to the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to extend their work to areas of tax evasion and money laundering as they also contribute to denying people from enjoying their full economic rights.

President Mutharika with MHRC Commissioners

The President who was speaking at Sanjika Palace in Blantyre when he met with commissioners of the MHRC said evading tax reduces government’s power to provide social services to its people.

This he said lead to people’s failure to enjoy their social rights in their fullness.

According to President Mutharika, the MHRC should extend its work to investigating whether corporations, industries and individuals are complying with their tax obligations, as that contributes to national development.

“As a Commission, you are part of Government in order to provide us with a mirror of our progress in human rights; and subsequently, complement us in engaging in a constructive internal dialogue,’ he said.

“Do not limit your work to the areas you are already covering. Let me also request that you extend your work to investigating whether people comply with their tax obligations, because tax evasion is leading to government failing to meet its social demands and in turn deny people of their right to social amenities,” he added.

The Malawi leader also urged the commission to investigate the tobacco industry which he said is filled with stories of abuse, low tobacco buying prices.

“I have met with tobacco buyers more than 20 times, here in Malawi and outside the country too. They promise to change but they don’t. Our farmers are not getting returns for their hard work. We need to change this,’’ he acknowledged.

He however acknowledged that there is need to do more as people still think they can violate the rights of others while enjoying theirs.

“We still have more work to do because we still have people who think they have the right to violate the rights of others. We have seen some people grossly and inhumanly violating the rights of persons with albinism” he added.

Presidemt Mutharika also applauded security agencies such as the police for ensuring that rights of all people and property are safeguarded.

“But I want to thank our police and all various stakeholders who are fighting for us to protect the right to life and dignity of persons with albinism. We have registered progress but we still need to remain vigilant.”

He expressed government’s commitment to put in place instruments that safeguard human rights.

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Chaponda Mbala
Chaponda Mbala
7 years ago

iweyo Pitala, do you pay taxes? inu zanu ndikuba chimanga basi

Murupale pa Thyolo
Murupale pa Thyolo
7 years ago

The first problem in Malawi is the Legislature. Why am I saying this. Parliament passes the budget without first getting the audited report of the just/or to be closing year. How can you pass a budget without looking how the previous year budget was implemented. This year I dont want to see any line in the budget talking of maintenance allocation to state houses. You mean of all government buildings in the country only state houses need maintenance/refurbishing on yearly basis. There are no children at the palaces that can spoil the walls. Stop holding kwasakwasa dances at the state… Read more »

Malawian
Malawian
7 years ago

Unless APM stamps out corruption, misuse of public funds and provide platform for viable economic growth, no one is prepared to pay tax in full. I have personally paid loads of taxes through my small businesses and PAYE. What I get in return are 1 – dilapidated infrastructure 2 – No drugs in hospitals 3 – corrupt Police force 4 – corrupt minsters /DPP mob 4 – Constant closure of education system 5 – constant black-outs 6 – No clean water, and above all 7 – the self-enrichment of the of the political elite. Is this fair Peter? If you… Read more »

Mphwache
Mphwache
7 years ago

I am willing to pay my full taxes as owed to Government, on one condition: that there is full accountability of where tax money goes. If government continues to plunder tax money, through misuse, corruption and outright theft, then forget about me paying my tax.

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