Faizal Aboo rejects DPP’s MP Suleman statement ‘to incite racial tensions against Asian community in Malawi’

Managing director of Pacific Group of Companines, Faizalo Aboo has reacted to remarks made by Blantyre City South legislator Sameer Suleman that 80% of the whole of Limbe is currently owned by two individuals and that one of them owns over 50 hectares of land where he is fish farming, saying the remarks were unfounded and demands the legislator to withdraw the statement in parliament.

Faizal Aboo: Suleiman was referring to Pacific Group
Suleman: Challenged on his utterances in Parliament

Suleman, who was contributing to ta private member’s motion moved by DPP’s Mulanje Bale legislator Victor Musowa, clamed  he has a petition from the people of Chiwembe Housing where  he alleged Aboo has displayed such arrogance so as to build a fence right on the main road;that he  is untouchable as he repairs boreholes and is on the verge of “being given” 48 hectares of land by Blantyre CityCouncil and Ministry of Lands known as Chigumula Forest.

In a statement seen by Nyasa Times, Pacific Group  said although Suleman refrained from directly naming the company, but it is left  in no doubt that Suleiman was referring to Pacific Group given that it is the only entity that operates a fish farm in Limbe, known as Chambo Fisheries.

Reads the statement in part:“Although we do not as a matter of course respond to false allegations made against our company, we are left with no option in this instance given the nature, severity and consequences of Hon. Suleiman’s accusations.”

Land ownership in Limbe

The company said it is  “surprised and perplexed” by the statement that 80% of the land in Limbe is owned by two individuals.

“We wonder if Hon. Suleiman made a reasonable, if any inquiry, into this assertion and would welcome the facts or statistics he may have relied on, if any. In fact, we would encourage Hon. Suleiman to disclose this information, if he has such, into the public domain so that the public whom he was addressing is fully informed.

On the 50 hectares of land for fish farm, Pacific Group contends that Suleiman was referring to Chambo Fisheries.

“This land was lawfully acquired in 2006 where the Pacific Group, amongst other developments, has invested in a state-of-the-art aquaculture development. We believe this is in accordance with the Government of Malawi’s endeavours to promote homegrown development, increase employment and drive our nations export base.

Fence and  boreholes

Aboo said his company is unaware of the complaint from Chiwembe Housing and categorically deny building the fence as claimed.

“The fence, if any, does not belong to Pacific Group or its associated businesses, and this assertion is totally without merit.”

The Pacific Group has also clarified in the statement that it has endeavoured to repair boreholes in rural areas throughout Malawi as part of its corporate social responsibility programme.  It said the programme commenced in early 2015 and to date they have repaired or rehabilitated 2,778 boreholes throughout Malawi.

“We believe that in doing so, we are complimenting Government’s efforts to provide a clean source of water for our fellow Malawian brothers and sisters. To quantify this impact, over a trillion man hours have been saved in this rehabilitation initiative by reducing the distance to source clean water.

“However, what we categorically refute is the claim that this programme grants us ‘untouchable status.’ We are of the firm view that each and every individual is equal before the law, and that no single individual is beyond reproach,” reads the statement.

Chigumula Forest

Aboo has also refuted the allegation that he is on the verge of being given 48 hectares of land at Chigumula Forest, saying Suleman  statement is untrue and totally without merit.

“We would like to inform the general public and all Malawians that Pacific Group of Companies is a law-abiding entity that has complied with all of its tax and other legal obligations without fail.

“Our business has and continues to be run in a lawful and ethical manner. We are proud to state that we provide employment directly to over a thousand Malawians, and through our various infrastructure developments we have created indirect employment for multiple thousands. We also continuously create indirect employment by working hand in hand with small and medium enterprises thus furthering their growth; promote the Government of Malawi’s development policies whilst supporting the Malawi community through many charitable projects.”

Pacific said the statements by Suleiman are false and without any merit.

“His focus on our acquisition of property is both unfortunate and misplaced. We would like to place it on record that all property acquired by the Pacific Group is and will continue to be in accordance with the Land Act, Registered Land Act and all applicable laws of Malawi,” reads the statement.

The company reminded Suleiman of their  constitutional rights:

  • to acquire and own land in Malawi under section 28 of the Constitution;
  • to freely engage in economic activity, to work and pursue a livelihood anywhere in

Malawi under section 29 of the Constitution;

“We are thus disappointed that he has chosen to target us in this manner. We recognise that Parliamentarians are afforded privilege regarding utterances that form part of proceedings in the National Assembly. We also recognise the importance of this provision and that Parliamentarians be given liberty to discuss issues of National Importance.

“However, we implore Hon. Suleiman to recognise the platform afforded to him in the August House where proceedings are now broadcast live on television. Further, with the advent of social media, now more than ever, these statements are broadcasted to a large audience and at a rapid pace. It must be recognised that statements made by Honourable Parliamentarians during the course of their deliberations may be taken as gospel truth by lay members of the public. There is thus a strong duty on all Parliamentarians, including Hon. Suleiman to ensure their statements are fair, reasonable and verified.”

Regrettably,  the company said, Suleman  statements have caused substantial harm to the Pacific Group.

“ We are faced with threats of demonstrations and vandalism to our properties, whilst our directors are subjected to threats to their person, all as a result of false and baseless statements by Hon. Suleiman.

“His statements border on defamation and character assassination and have the potential to incite racial tensions against the Asian community in Malawi. Malawi is a peace-loving nation and such instances have no place in our beautiful nation.”

Pacific said if  Suleiman has any “personal grievances “against the company or directors, he should  to reach out to them directly where any such differences can be best resolved and request that unless he is able to substantiate his allegations, the MP should withdraw the statements on the same platform.

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Aboo Jamila
Aboo Jamila
3 years ago

To say that the man has constructed a fence right on the road side is a total lie. The chiwembe project he is yet to build a fence. Which fence is this man claiming.

Malawi Indian
Malawi Indian
3 years ago

I am a` Malawian Indian, so please read what I say carefully. Malawi’s development and democracy is captured by my fellow Indians, like Faisal Aboo, Faruk Gani, Wahid Kassam and others. For to get government business these Indians pay huge bribes to our politicians from top to bottom, our civil servants and MRA officials, then either under supply or smuggle the supplies without paying customs. Corruption can never be wiped out from Malawi as long as these Indians monopolise government procurement they will control our politicians in their filthy pockets by paying them and our party leaders brides. All our… Read more »

Last edited 3 years ago by Malawi Indian
007
007
3 years ago
Reply to  Malawi Indian

Corruption
Looks like people only see from one side

The person recieving bribes is asmuch responsible as the giver

Now we get one topic indians
We leave behind malawians why

If ther do it they are doing it together

So i think the topic of racism comes from both sides

Naga
Naga
3 years ago

Pacific Group, what is your justification for charging $1,000 (MK750,000) monthly rentals for those tiny shops you are constructing at the Pacific Towers in Limbe?

The second question is that, are you really considering Malawians by asking for deposit of Mk10,000,000 to secure a place? It seems you are deliberately wanting struggling Malawians to fail to occupy those shops.

Authorities, please go and look at the shops being constructed and justify the high rentals of $1,000 (Mk750,000) per month.

Jah
Jah
3 years ago
Reply to  Naga

Koma abale umbuli umenewu bwanji?? Do you know we are an economy where we don’t control these things??? Anyway who is forcing you to go there?? You can’t complain of expensive house in nyambadwe while size yako ndikumakheta. Pilizi anthu akuvala nsapato ya 200 pin and you can’t blame them it’s their money ka!!!

007
007
3 years ago
Reply to  Naga

U cant afford ur problem

Y trouble someone when u cant

Gee
Gee
3 years ago

Mmene akukanila akuluwa zikusonyeza kuti Nkhaniyi ndiyowona ndipo mukangomupana batile ndi pulayala awulura, savuta

kanjedza
kanjedza
3 years ago

The true story about Idi Amin sending out Indians from Uganda was filmed as The Last King and you will know teh story as to why Indians were chased out from Uganada

007
007
3 years ago
Reply to  kanjedza

Idi amin Popularly known as the “Butcher of Uganda”, he is considered one of the cruellest despots in world history.[3] Had an estimated 43 children ( as per internet) Since 1986, the government (with the support of foreign countries and international agencies) has acted to rehabilitate an economy devastated during the regime of Idi Amin and the subsequent civil war.[4] In 2012, the World Bank still listed Uganda on the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries list.[109] After a military coup on 25 January 1971, Obote was deposed from power and the dictator Idi Amin seized control of the country. Amin ruled… Read more »

Livulezi river
Livulezi river
3 years ago

Zonse wanena SameerSuleiman ndi zoona zokha zokha. Faisal Aboo has bought almost all the important city plots in this country Faisal Aboo is number one crook of all the crooked Asians in Malawi . He is said to be trailing MHC in housing project. He is the most corrupt Asian this country has ever had He operates more of an Al-Qaeda type of undertàkings and businesses than one may imagine. If Tonse Alliance govt was more than serious about dealing with evil people in this country, Faisal Aboo wud have been number one. This shud have sent a strong warning… Read more »

Jah
Jah
3 years ago
Reply to  Livulezi river

Nsanje tu iyi. Don’t hide behind malawians. Kugula malo zakhala milandu kuyambila liti??? Stupid people want to start recommending idi amon who ruined Uganda because of myopic thinking like this

Nazir Ahmed Isat
Nazir Ahmed Isat
3 years ago

Anganya alekeni amwenye Kodi a Suleman
Iwe ndi chigawenga opanda nchila Kodi Iwe adaku beleka ndani uka Chape nkhope dzuwa Lima dzukila kummawa
Ine ndi mwenye wa ku UK ndina choka ku Malawi 1978 mwa sowa zichita kuma sankha mitundu Sidzi thadiza

China
China
3 years ago

These Asians are full of shit they mistreat their employees and pay them peanuts we need a strong leader like the way Bingu was otherwise these fools will finish our land

Ku lumbadzi
Ku lumbadzi
3 years ago
Reply to  China

Bingu stole 63 billion.

Grey hair
Grey hair
3 years ago

He is operating like the Guptas in South Africa, South Africans chased them even though they were holding SA citizenship.

Indians, especially all Asians are a problem in Africa countries, They are not honest in business dealings, tax evasion, they like corruptions and they are Take advantage of poor people in the Country..

Tonse Government must take all land obtained through corrupt means.. all else Malawians must match..

Bruce lee
Bruce lee
3 years ago

Issue really is the monopolisation of retail and consumer market by a small clique of pakistani malawians who r related in marriage and business. Aboo is merely one of the cartel. The demise of press has brought them to the forefront. A full government inquiry similar to us style grand jury indicment is what is needed to establish fair competiotion and decentralise the cartel. The bread eggs milk cooking oil juice soap meat flour fertilizer forex etc is 80% in the hands of this cartel. U would be surpised that probably 40/60 tambala of every kwacha we make goes into… Read more »

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