Msaka proposes a bill to protect Malawi’s anti-graft body from influence

Minister of Natural Resources Energy and Mining, Bright Msaka has proposed a Bill that would insulate the office of Director of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) from outside influence.

The minister was making his contribution to a private members bill number one of 2016 titled Corrupt Practices (Amendment) moved by Lilongwe South West member of parliament (MP) Peter Chakhwantha.

The Bill was aimed at reducing Executive influence over ACB Director’s office and give more powers to parliament to appoint the Director which the opposition members of parliament argued would free the Director to root out corruption in the country.

However, Msaka argued that there are several forces that would influence the ACB Director’s office including friends and even parliament.

“Mr. Speaker Sir, giving the appointing powers to the Legislative arm of the government would not change anything. I would rather support a Bill that insulates the director’s office from any outside influence,” he argued.

Lilongwe City centre member of parliament David Bisnowaty argued that the Bill was duplicative and it would not change anything.

“When the President appoints the ACB Director, he or she goes through the public appointments committee of parliament which scrutinizes the eligibility of the candidate for the job and if they feel the person is not competent enough they reject them.

“I don’t see anything new with this Bill. It is talking about something that is already in our laws,” he said.

Juliana Lunguzi MP for Dedza East (MCP), Harry Mkandawire, independent MP for Mzimba West and Ralph Mhone of Nkhata- Bay Central of People’s Party (PP) argued in vain for the Bill to be passed to enhance the fight against corruption.

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Samuel Tembenu also spoke against the Bill describing the Bill as one that was aimed at ”Usurping” executive powers.

The bill was rejected by 85 votes to 75 at committee stage.