PAC MPs allegedly received K4m to frustrate Chizuma’s confirmation
Idriss Ali Nassah demands full interview report
Some members of Public Affairs of Parliament (PAC) are alleged to have received K4 million each as bribe to turn down the confirmation of Martha Chizuma as the new director of Anti-Corruption Bureau (ABC)
According to information that has emerged, it is alleged that some legislators who are in the Public Affairs Committee had attended a secret dinner party in the opulent low-density Area 9 in the capital, Lilongwe.
It is claimed that the suspected MPs received K4 million from some a group of Asian business magnets to reject the fearless legal bulldozer, Chizuma to be gaffer of the country’s graft busting body for fear of being busted and prosecution for corruption.
The allegations also indicate that there was a cabinet minister in attendance at the dinner, which is purportedly hosted by one Asian influential business tycoon (name withheld)
Nyasa Times, however, understands that it is not only the opposition that jinxed Chizuma’s confirmation but also legislators from the ruling Tonse Alliance.
An impeccable source, a Member of Parliament privy to the scheme who opted for anonymity said the plot to reject Chizuma is thicker and deeper than what is on the surface.
“This not about politics. It is about a criminal enterprise protecting their interests because they know if Chizuma ascends to the pinnacle of ACB, they will all be going to prison,” said the parliamentarian.
The law maker added: “It is really sad that we have a criminal cartel that is committed to frustrate the fight against corruption in the country. This must be a lesson to Dr. Chakwera not to over-trust anyone.
The legislator said what has happened in Chizuma’s case goes to show us that our public officers put their selves first before national interests.
Social media commentator of the ‘Ulonda wa lero mantra, Charles Ulaya of Ulaya Classics, demanded on his social media platform, Facebook, that ” these allegations must be investigated in order to get down to the bottom of the matter.
Said Ulaya: “We cannot sabotage or allowed State capture by people who are fearing to be prosecuted. We have wasted our time already and we should not continue wasting time. These are serious allegations which should not be blushed off.”
‘The Demands’
Meanwhile, intrepid and fearless social media influencer and crack investigative journalist Idriss Ali Nassah, using Freedom of Information (FIA), have requested a full report of the PAC – Chizuma confirmation interview.
Nasser emailed PAC chairperson Joyce Chitsulo on the matter and she responded to confirm receipt of Nassah’s communication saying, she would get back to him, soonest.
Nassah posted on his Facebook wall: “The Honourable Ms Joyce Chitsulo, MP, the chairperson of Parliament’s Public Appointments Committee, has assured that we will be hearing from her soon. For that, we are very grateful.”
In the email, Nassah is demanding PAC to furnish him with the following information, Using the Access to Information law, for
names and number of MPs present throughout the confirmation proceedings.
Nassah also wants information on the guidelines or parameters provided to the MPs prior and during the confirmation process and also all recordings of the confirmation process, including the score-sheets of each individual MP and their recorded reasons for the scores.
He said: “I am fortified in my belief that the committee has nothing to hide, and therefore shall promptly and voluntarily provide the requested information. Truth will emerge through full disclosure of how the process was done.”
Martin Kanjadza writing on his Facebook said: “What happened here is like asking thieves to appoint an inspector General of Police?
“In the same vein, did we expect our corrupt MPs to confirm an appointment of an ACB director?
“I think, we joke too much in this country,” he added. “this is nothing but sheer sabotage against the wheels of justice.”
President Chakwera on Wednesday accused PAC members when he addressed Parliament of sabotaging his concerted efforts in the fight against the corruption cancer that for long has been eating the fibre of the Malawian society.
‘The Scores’
During the interview, it is said that, a total of 18 out of 21 members of PAC were available and, after aggregating the rating, it transpired that Chizuma scored 14.9 out of 25.
The minimum pass rate is 17 scores.
It transpired, however, that out of the 18 members that participated in the interview, nine scored her 25 out of 25 while the remaining nine scored Chizuma one out of 25.
However, a source within Pac told The Daily Times that, despite Chizuma’s classic performance during the meeting, it was surprising that some members scored her low even on qualification when it was clear that she was qualified.
During Tuesday’s interview, a total of 18 out of 21 members of Pac were available and, after aggregating the rating, it transpired that Chizuma scored 14.9 out of 25. The minimum pass rate is 17 scores.
It transpired that, out of the 18 members that participated in the interview, nine scored her 25 out of 25 while the remaining nine scored Chizuma one out of 25.
“In a normal interview, if a candidate meets the prerequisite qualification set, it is automatic to give the interview the highest score in that section.
“It was, however, surprising that some members scored Chizuma one even when it was clear that she qualified,” said the source.
The source said that It was utterly shocking that some members scored Chizuma one out of twenty-five even when it was clear that she is more than qualified,” said the legislator.”
Government spokesperson Gospel Kazako described Chizuma’s rejection as confirmation that corruption is deep-rooted in the country.
Kazako said: “We are not going to get emotional about Chizuma’s rejection and would not relent in the fight against the vice.”
Among many other things, Chizuma had promised that if confirmed as ACB director, she would use ACB to make Malawians uncomfortable with corruption.
“I would like to see Malawians getting uncomfortable with corruption,” Chizuma said.
Following her rejection, Chizuma returns to her job as the Ombudsman.
Vocal social justice and human rights activist and private practice lawyer, John-Gift Mwakhwawa said:
“Parliamentarians are elected to represent the people and in that regard, it means that they must do what the people want.
“Therefore, the people of Malawi wants Martha Chizuma to be the ACB director and so she must be. It is that simple.”
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The action by PAC is a bucket full of stinking rubbish. They are defeating justice which is needed in this country.. What needs to be done is a thorough investigation to ascertain the truth behind the alleged pocketing of money from that particular mwenye. If proved in the positive, this PAC needs to be disbanded, arrest them, declare their seats vacant and ban them from contesting in any future election. As for the mwenye, arrest him/her, freeze the assets, invoke his business licence, close the business and deport him/her. Minister Kazako is saying we need not be emotional. Unless he has very good reason for saying that, his view holds no water. He must know that Ife a Malawi zikutiwawa ndipo ndi bwino kukhala chete instead of producing such unproductive statement. Nyansi zimenezi a PAC achita. Kaya wina afune kaya asafune Mai Martha Chizuma mpando wa Ku ACB ndiwao. Mwauponda.
To be frank the lady had more partiality, so if I was an appointing, I would have not chosen her. Why all the cases are for DPP not one for this Tonse administration. There are jobs which require maturity and independence and ACB is one of them.
This is an opportune time for Dr Lazarus Chakwera to make an example of crooks. Thats why this country has been stagnating. Why settle for less when this woman has proved her worth. If we don’t put these people to jail whether men or women we are definitely a retarded nation that is unable to determine its own future. Haebo anikhathale kunjonja kanti?
Ndakhala ndikunena mofula kwambiri mu Forum yathu pa Facebook ya My Nsanje South Constituency kuti Amalawife tisiye kusankha ma MPs chifukwa choti akatipatsa K500 pa kampeni, iwo amakhala akubisa umbuli wawo. Vuto ndiloti iwo adasankhidwa mwachinyengo kuti akhale ma MP Kodi tikudikira iwo kuti agwire ntchito mwachilungamo? Sadziwa tanthauza ya udindo wawo koma kudziwa kuthamangira kwa mwenye kokalandila 4 Million. Come 2025 amenewa adzalangidwa koposa
The first assignment for Martha Chizuma when she gets this position is to investigate and arrest these foolish MPs who received money from Asian business men. Why do we Malawians want convict Asians to rule us? Let those foolish Asians face the pains of the nail and be sent to their respective countries.
Miss Martha, you have many files to clear in your office once you get confirmation letter. We are all relying on you to drain the swamp in the country. Don’t fear and panick. The Czar position of ACB director is given to you. Deal with these corrupt idiots
Kodi akuopa chani aphungu akukana Chizumawa?
I propose that INDEPENDENT GROUP OF AUDITORS LIKE GRAHAM CARR, DELOIT, KPMG,AMG GLOBAL AND NATIONAL AUDIT SHOULD BE DOING THE INTERVIEWS FOR SUCH POSITIONS
I think I know who that minister is! Shame! Let’s wait for the authorities to investigate
The democratic process of identifying an ACB director has rejected the bitch Martha chizuma. Why do you want to violet laid down procedures by bulldozing her to enter the ACB office via backdoor? Chizuma has failed interviews period! and let us forget about this bitch. Let parliament be parliament and PAC be PAC free of any interferences. Inu agalu a Tonse misalliance mwagwa nayo basi!!
Fact is Area 9 Asians are connected to corrupt politicians, soon they shall be exposed because God Almighty is watching as they plunder the wealth of this nation with corrupt controlling officers at Capital Hill, time is catching up fast with these criminal enterprises
T
This is African politics! Most politicians do not care about their own integrity when a few dirty dollars are dangled in their faces. The majority are only in it for the money and proximity to power for their own self preservation. I have been a student and an educator for quite some time and only in exact sciences like mathematics and multiple choice questions have i seen scores of 100%. 25 out of 25 in an interview of this magnitude where one would expect open ended questions? This is political over-elaboration! An ‘overkill’ by those interviewers who wish to have the good lady appointed. Inadvertently this has turned out to be blatant disrespect of the inellectual capacity of the electorate by the elected. And 1 out of 25 for someone currently occupying the esteemed office of the Ombudsman! My foot! Only the gulibles would buy that. Malawians are being taken for a long and rough ride, seriously!
Do not forget that , muli mix mu parliament, jealous of Chizumas qualifications , cholinga azibabe limodzi di amwenyewo uko. Cry my beloved country
Rejection by PAC should not be a cause of worry to Hon Martha Chizuma and a country as a whole. Martha is determined to clear and clean the ‘rubbles’ by stamping out deep rooted corruption in Malawi so that as a country we can move forward. The problem is that up to now many people think it is the same old government with its leadership. My fellow Malawians, things have changed and we have to accept it, let us give chance to Tonse Alliance to govern us.
You may delay change but you cannot stop it as change is eminent.
Malawi desperately needs to get its deep rooted and widely stretched corruption out of its system in order for the country to progress. As things are, the ordinary law abiding citizens are suffering from lack of services while the rich are getting richer to an imaginable extent. What a painful and sad situation! The PAC selection result of Martha Chizuma as the next head of ACB clearly displays corruption and someone at high level should investigate it urgently. Failing which, the rot will even smell more.
Indeed, without getting emotional let there be fair and thorough investigation on the contentious final result of the interview for Martha Chizuma as ACB Director General. We need to know how the MPs who scored her 25 out of 25 arrived at that score and those who scored her 1 out of 25 did so. We need proper investigation on this because it could be an eye opener whether those who get confirmed by such Committee do so upon looking at merit or something else. Memories are still fresh when an allegation also emerged that some MP(s) ever demanded a bribe in order to confirm a Director of Assets Declarations. We do not know how many deserving candidates have been rejected or confirmed in questionable manner before this incident. I think, as a nation, after getting at the bottom of this matter of Chizuma confirmation we will be able to know if it is worthwhile to continue sending our public officers for confirmation by these politicians. Or should we hire private/ independent job recruitment agencies locally or from abroad to do that job? By the way, we let politicians appoint and confirm public officers with the expectation that they will meet the wishes of the general public or the politicians? It is high time as a nation we reflected over this arrangement. Yes, there are certain positions where it appears that with the change of government shepherds we should always expect changes even when the public officers are really performing. Once again, let us indeed not be emotional and dig deeper to unveil what is underground so that we can correct things for good.
Well said 👍👍👍💪💪💪💪😎😎
Total idiots, they must be investigated and removed from the parliament and arrested.
Komatu nde kuyishosha dala. A Malawi anakwiyatu.
Ameneyu will not need the PAC to be confirmed, timuyikapo tokha ndi Demo yovuta koopsya
Ndizimene amakana Martha Chizuma zija zimenezo! Walephera interview walephera basi. Munthu wochita recomend kuti anzake achotsedwe ntchito because they were employed irregularly, ndiye lero iyenso akalembedwe ntchito even though walephera ma interview? Bwanji kodi? If the MPs got money for this issue ndiye kuti nkhani ya MEC Commissioners adalandira zambiri zeditu!
So both government and opposition mps received 4mita shame rotation country
Shameful indeed. What type of a country are we building? And the allegation talks about some ministers were part of the meeting at area 9? What a shame? If the government will not investigate this issue seriously, will be surprised because some may look innocent while they are part of the scheme. Our is the poorest by far. Some of us who have traveled wonder what Malawian leaders learn when they go out? Kuba basis? Single lane roads in cities zinatha kalekale. We can not use our God given resources to develop our country? Lots of mountains, lakes, rivers, minerals name it. Some people make good speeches but contrary to what they do. Malawi, Malawi, Malawi let’s wake up. Covid19 funds abusers must be punished without shielding anyone. Ajawa a president atsawabitse atengedwe basi tikudikira ife. Anzao analowa kale
I was only seeing the tip of an iceberg, this issue it’s a well calculated move. Those with an eagle eye can see properly. Just imagine a minister in attendance omg …..
Let the Iron lady get the job. We are tired of these rubbish moves.
Take it or leave it, the will of people will be granted. We can’t let few greedy souls manipulate the wheels of justice.
It shall reign and reign for good, Martha must get a well deserved job period!
Very useless MPs.Malawi is like a rotten country
A Tonse Allainace zangotivuta let democracy rule.
No I don’t think alephera koma umbava wawina. Kunjaku kuli ma big who flush out money. For example the case in court ya ma Judge. Akuti bigy was giving millions of money to political parties. Kugula njira yobera ndalama mboma.
osaopsyesa ma MPs agwira ntchito yawo basi after this woman is not the first one to rejected have you forgotten of Mary nangwale
If indeed the MPs received a bribe, they must be taken to court and if found guilty be sent to prison and also be stripped of the parliamentary position, these so called honourables earn alot of money for doing nothing and yet are greedy to stoop low and receive bribes. Greed of àt the highest level,it’s devilish.
Amalawi anzanga, inu a Chakwera, Ndunenatu inu a Chilima, amwenyewatu tawalekerera kwambiri. Now they are sucking our economic lifeline like nobody,s business. Can someone stop this nonsense of ” dziko ndi wanu, ndalama ndi wathu” Vuto lina ndiloti palibe lamulo to regulate political party financing. Dzanadzanali wakuyalusani Mpinganjira akuti anakupasani hundreds of thousands of political campaign funds……can u really morally imprison such a good political financing guru? Now amwenye amene apanga corrupt ma MPs awa zipezekaso kuti ndi anzanu ndipo anakuthandizani ndi ndalama za campaign. Khoswe akakhala pa mkhate sapheka. Zativutatu apa. Titani sopano?
Disappointed
Chizuma is excellent in delivery but she needs to be impartial. Otherwise this propaganda article is aimed at creating more confusion and basically is just that, propaganda. Let’s have public officials who are one sided.
Disgusting!!
Thank you Idrissa-Keep up the good work. Can I also appeal that you demand the same from the Chaiperson for the Board of MBC on the scores for the interviews of the DG for Malawi Broadcasting Station which is a public body- we want to put aside allegations of favouritism
Our Malawi MPs are a joke and leading for that in the world.
Sad, sad day for Malawi. But then, we really don’t deserve her now, do we? The Iron Lady is way too good for us! The ones for us are the likes of Bakili, JB, APM, etc. A country of fuckkn’ losers! Mxii! Ase!!
FOSEKI
These Pac have been given scones and are happy on the expence on Malawians. To hell with PAC
This is the problem of leaving politics to half educated clowns whose main concern is what goes into their pockets.
A miserable K4 million is enough for them to sabotage the country. What a shame.
Tikufuna amwenye amene apereka ndalamazo minister, Komanso olandira ndalamazo b4 tisanapite pamseu. Ife tikufuna Chizuma yemweyo.
Akwekweseni amenewo, alavule basi kkkkk
what a shame and disbelief selling our country for Mk4million
to Mwenye and it only happens in poor Malawi
Martha Chizuma has a master’s degree in law and vast experience in her field. How dare some semi-educated MPs score her 1 out 25 on qualifications? Fortunately, it’ll be a no-brainer determining the corrupt culprits.
I do hope Chizuma eventually gets confirmed. Her first task then would be to investigate who frustrated her confirmation in PAC.
Please finally name the corrupt Asians. If indeed this is true and you know them disclose and PAC members should step down and answer.
malawi will not be free from corruption until our leaders take a gamble, a sacrifice of dishing all corrupt party officials out of govt system.
Chizuma tamukana basi musatibowe mukafuna chamba munena
We will still have a director no matter what dpp does? This is a party of thieves and should never be given a chance.
Shame on you, PAC!
I agree with Kazako, let us not be emotional on this issue. We have bigger problems than crying for Chizumas ACB position. Cizuma will not work alone, it’s a system. it might be good for our lady because she would have been frustrated in that office. it is scary when big offices like President commenting on such issues. Sustain the system and thieves will eject automatically.
I knew it that money has exchanged hands.Shame
Angaru
chitsulo waste of space. muyaluka ndi ma 4million yo. ku area 9 oho!!!!!
Truth be told, the woman is biased against opposition particularly DPP. She is an mcp lap dog. We want someone without bias in that office. Let her go hang.
Poti amukana dala mayiyu ofunika a president mungomutenga Gift Mwakhwawa azawawonese nyekhwe anthuwa asanajayile kwenikweni kuba kwawoko