UDF MP’s erupt in Malawi Parliament over Muluzi’s ‘12 years torture’

February 22, 2018 Wanga Gwede - Nyasa Times 29 Comments

Malawi Parliament on Thursday descended into confusion as  United Democratic Front (UDF) legislators took turns to stand on a point of order to discuss what they called “12 years tourtre” of  former President Bakili Muluzi, saying his corruption case should be get to logical conclusion.

Patel: We are tired with persecution of Bakili Muluzi

Balaka Central East MP Aufi Mpaweni and  Rashid Pemba of Mangochi Masongola all standing on point of order wanted the matter of Muluzi to be discussed in the House.

But the Speaker Richard Msowoya stopped them, saying matter in court could not be subject to debate.

Mangochi South member of Parliament (MP), who is also UDF chief whip, Lillian Patel stood to say: “People of Mangochi South and UDF throughout the country are sick and tired with the torture of former president Bakili Muluzi… if you want to arrest him it kill him then..”

The Speaker switched Patel’s microphone off.

Other members such as Mangochi East MP Abubakar Mbaya, Mangochi Central East MP Ernest Yahaya, Idi Kalosi of Mangochi North East, Mangochi South West MP Justin Majawa and Mangochi Lutende MP Francis Billiat were rising to speak.

Others were Mulanje South MP Bon Kalindo (Democratic Progressive Party-DPP), Lilongwe North East MP Maxwell Thyolera (Malawi Congress Party, MCP) who stood to speak in support of UDF concerns.

And outspoken  Mzimba West legislator Harry Mkandawire also stood to contribute but Speaker stood his ground to stop the debate.

“I am no gagging you members, I am simply providing guidance how this should be tackled,” said Speaker who directed that a formal motion be moved to debate the issue.

Leader of Opposition in the House Lazarus Chakwera suggested that it was better to give the issue time, saying the Speaker needed to consult further.

“It is no secret that I have lamented on the matter several times. The matter is of national importance that needs to be given a priority, but let the Speaker come with a conclusion, say, in an hours’ time,” he said.

As the House adjourned for lunch break, the Speaker announced that the issue could not be discussed as it is still in court.

“I have done consultations and provide my guidance, based on Standing Order 192, that it is not urgent and is within the jurisdiction of Judiciary, and I would consult with the leadership of the House further. But for now, let us continue with the business of the House,” he said.

The development comes after the Constitutional Court in Blantyre on Wensday made a landmark ruling by saying that  Muluzi’s corruption case should continue to be heard after it had dragged for nearly 12 years.

In 2011 Muluzi, applied to the Constitutional Court but he later withdrew the case. However, through his lawyers Tamando Chokhotho and Jai Banda, he reapplied to the court to determine the constitutionality of section 32 (2) of the Corrupt Practices Act (CPA).

The State questions the former Head of State of K1.7 billion ($12 million) during his 1994-2004 presidency which was in his personal account.

Muluzi, 74, and his former personal secretary, Lyness Whiskey, are answering the charges of corruption on the money which government alleged was public funds diverted to the former President’s personal account.

The funds were reportedly given to Muluzi directly from Taiwan, Morocco and Libya for the campaign of late Bingu wa Mutharika, his hand picked successor under United Democratic Front (UDF).

The trial begun in 2006 and to date it has not been concluded, making it one of the most dragged high-profile criminal cases in the country.

The former president has denied any wrongdoing and claims the charges were politically inspired.

The trial opened in 2009 but has been subjected to several adjournments, partly because of Muluzi’s hospitalizations related to spinal problems. Both sides reject allegations that they have been deliberately delaying proceedings.

Local press reports indicate that the State had spent as much as $12 million on the case.

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29 replies on “UDF MP’s erupt in Malawi Parliament over Muluzi’s ‘12 years torture’”

  1. KUIPA MTIMA NGATI NDULU YA NG’ONA N KHANI KUTHA 12 YEARS OSANGOITHETSA BWANJI KA 1.7 BILLION NDINGACHANI BINGU ANABA 61 BILLION SUMUNASOKOSE BWANJI

  2. I think JZU was right when he said there is childish leadership in MCP. If the leader is childish what do we expect the party’s behavior? I wonder why MCP cannot see the drama in Muluzi’s case. MCP MPs should not think their comments on this case will divide the relationship existing between the two parties. MCP are the most happy people whenever they hear that Muluzi is being tortured. MCP has all along been disturbed with the relation between DPP and UDF and thinks this can be the reason to end the relationship. This is myopic thinking because everyone can see that it is not the wish of the DPP that Muluzi should be tortured. Three months ago newspapers were awash with condemnation from the opposition and CSOs when they heard rumours that APM wants to close the 1.7bn case. They said the President should leave the courts do their job and let Muluzi prove his innocence. All this was to prevent APM from strengthening the relationship between the two parties. Part of the delay on this case is because the DPP GOVT does not want to continue with the case. Those who have been following this case closely can clearly see that govt lawyers are giving weak arguments in the courts just to make sure that Muluzi wins the case. Since the relationship between these 2 parties this case is like it is not there. Logically, MCP knows that there is no way Atupele can stick to APM if there was this nature of torture upon his dad. Even the dad himself would have already pulled his son from APM. The UDF MPs are not saying that DPP is torturing Muluzi as MCP wants it to sound so. It is the courts doing the delay or torture if there is any. There are no DPP judges or lawyers in the courts process on this case. The one who ruled that the case should continue is not a DPP regional governor. He might be a plant of the opposition so that he pleases his party masters. What would MCP and the Billy Mayayas say if today APM directs that the case should be closed? Will it not be the same people in MCP who would condemn the action? MCP should not take UDF as fools with this fake and crocodile tears. UDF clearly knows that MCP wants to win political goals on this matter not that the party is sympathetic to Muluzi. APM cannot do anything at this level of the case. But if Muluzi loses the case and condemned to jail this is when APM will come with the powers given to the presidency to pardon his friend. MCP is at pains to find any reason which can separate the two parties. But Atcheya can never be fooled by MCP’s crocodile tears. Tcheya would rather like APM to continue in power than MCP replacing UDF. Do you think Bakili and Peter are not communicating? Ana mwachepa inu.

  3. Malawiis indeed a shithole country. Bakili is not someone one can waste time talking about. This guy delayed the case by pretending he was ill during Bingu time.Bakili spent time in South Africa pretending he was sick and delaying the case altogether. Soon after the death of Bingu, Bakili was back on his feet and possibly trying to marry again. Just because he sold his party to dpp then he should get sympathy? If there is a person to blame for the woes Malawi is facing it is Bakili. His is the father and founder of corruption and theft. He is the father and founder of tribalism and regionalism in Malawi. Malawi saw little development under Bakili. It is unfortunate that only sam Mpasu was arrested and jailed for theft. I believe Sam Mpasu died penniless and without even a wife. He died alone in the house without dignity like a mad person. He died like an small pox outcast in those days. Justice should be leveled across. The law should not be selective.

  6. Incredible.
    Why are some people so ignorant of logic and protocol as to so blatantly mix politics with the law.
    The so-called coalition between DPP and UDF should have nothing to do with Muluzi’s case, which it must be emphasized, started more than a decade ago.
    And there is NO statute of limitations.
    It would be miscarriage of justice (for Malawians) indeed if the case is not handled in the courts; same miscarriage if Muluzi was just thrown in jail, without due process, as was the rule during that long-gone dictator’s (Kamuzu Banda) and his MCP regime.
    We are a country of laws OR we are not.
    Let justice prevail; and alliances be damned.

  7. Chisokonezo chayambika , mumaseka MCP kuti akukangana nanga mgwirizano wa UDF ndi DPP uli pati, pano mukufuna muzinena kuti a MCP akukuyambanitsani, inu a DPP mumawoneka ngati madolo mukutuma anthu kuti azisokoneza MCP ,lero bwanji muli ndi chonena , muyankhe ngati MCP yayamba kubwezera , inu munalowa m’boma kudzera ku UDF , MCP idzeranso komweko. Simumatumbwa inu kuti Chakwera sadziwa ndale, muziwona kwatsala pang’ono kucha!

    1. Anthu mukuyankhula ngati kuti Peter or DPP ndi imene ikufuna kuti Muluzi azizengedwabe milandu. Peter wants this case stopped. Buy the courts with Tumbuks judges are the ones insisting on this case. They are doing this deliberately to destroy the DPP, UDF relationship. If Peter went ahead and pardoned Muluzi it is the same people here who are blaming Peter for Muluzi’s continued wooes that will turn around and accuse him of interfering in court matters. Politics at it’s best. Koma Peter yekha simumutha. Munya muona

  8. Well done Patel and other mps who joined hands to stand for the justice. By the way i don’t know why you keeping pushing a real leader whom you blackmailed in order to take his seat using what you call constitution and yet you could amend that.Dr muluzi was blackmailed he is the true leader greedy will kill you people mark my words!

  10. Can the PAC and ACB check urgently a container has arrived in Malawi it’s at GMS freight it’s containing police officers shoes the value is
    Usd 988,000 dollars it’s imported by reliance trading owner Karim of lido he is finishing the country either put him in jail for life or deport him he has cars worth mk2 billon at his house and properties worth
    Mk50 billion he is eating poor Malawians money why is the government not doing anything he has so many cases even at MRA he has to pay
    Mk30 billion but the case is gone under the bridge
    Even in America or Europe a pair of shoes for can’t cost
    Mk150,000 which he has declared on the invoice meaning government is buying from him at mk175,000 a pair
    Peter if u are a god fearing take action

  11. Cashgate Leaders defending their King in stealing……………………..!

    UDF MPs are headless chickens! They have mucus not brains and couldn’t see this happening…………………… kuona atupele ali ndwiiiiiiiiiiiiiii mbuzi yeniyeni, iye amaona ngati akakhala m’mboma ateteza m’mdala wake, ataaaaaaaaaaaaa walemba m’madzi!!

    Musatisokose apaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ndi a chair anuwo

  14. Hahahaha useless UDF MPs. Why the fuss now when all along you have been bed fellows with DPP. Lucius Banda is the man and should lead the party in the next general elections. Ma MP a UDF mbuzi za anthu. Why are you crying now yet it is on record that Bakili Muluzi was arrested by DPP regime under the late Bingu and opt to associate with it at the expense of PP and MCP. The constitutional court was very right and this man should face the law because of his greed. The UDF had capable candidates then but you opted for late Bingu….the result he dumped the party and jail for corruption…..that is the price of greed mbuyache kkkkkkkkk

  16. So these guys want someone who is alleged to have stolen taxpayers money just to go like that? What a joke?? Which Malawians are they claiming to tolerate this? In fact most of the problems Malawi is going through are because of Muluzi. He needs to face the law. No one is above the law.

    2. Total rubbish for UDF MPs ,if Muluzi is innocent he has to defend himself in court of law not trying to make noise in Parliament, It took 12years because of man made illness ,why not letting the court do its job, don’t run away to South Africa again

  17. I am not sure if UDF MPs are complaining because justice is delayed or because it is “Dr” Bakili Muluzi who is the former Malawi President? If its about justice delayed, then there are a lot of people whose justice has been delayed. So the protests should include names of these people not the former president alone.
    After “Dr Bakili Muluzi, former president of Malawi is to a great extent suffering because of his high level selfishness. He didn’t want to be succeeded by anyone but himself. There were a lot of able people who could have made UDF strong and win elections, he fought them except himself. He we are party being reduced to a small club. Selfishness kills sometimes.

  18. The trial has dragged partly to Muluzi alleged sickness and his lawyers always for always appealing the technicalities.
    The court should have a timeline to conclude and pass judgement on this court.

  19. Anyan kusekana zikundu……muyeso umene unamuyesela mzako mawa omwewo adzakuyesera….atcheya anatumbwa ndi nkhan ya mwaza case…..let the truth chioneke basil……inu a phungu a UDF khalan chete asiyen ma khot agwire ntchito yawo

  20. What amazes me is that the UDF Parliamentarians erupted while sitting on the government benches, the same government which is rightfully & justifiably prosecuting Bakili Eleson Muluzi. It would have made a lot of sense if the eruption had originated from the opposition benches. In this case you are opposing the very same government which you are supporting under the guidance of Atupele, the son of Bakili Eleson Muluzi, the accused! And what benefit are getting from your association with DPP, if I may ask? To me the winner is Lucius Banda, the parliamentarian for Balaka North constituency and next UDF leader. Musovenge, mwakula mwatha!

  21. No one is above the Law let him prove his innocence in a court of Law. Let us not approve selective just in this country. It pains us taxpayer to see how others want to use their positions in society to hide the truth. Bravo the rule of Law.

  22. Atcheya osanbva ! Pamenepa DPP inalowa kale kuchipinda Kwanu KU mangochi..
    No work done Hon.UDF members of parliament, only Hon. LUCIAS BANDA will laugh the last
    With or without UDF, the MIGHTY DPP WILL bounce back…

    1. It’s The Mighty MCP and not DPP which is likely to bounce back in Mangochi. You are prosecuting Bakili Eleson Muluzi, the darling of many in Mangochi and you expect to bounce back in the same area? Forget it! Maybe talk of MCP whose some of its parliamentarians are supporting UDF eruption. Mwauponda na ku Mangochi iwalani!

      2. mavuto tiri nawo mdziko muno wa tu ndi chifukwa cha mkulu ameneyu-Dŕ.Bikini Muluzi.anasokoneza kwambiri taganizani ndalama za dziko kulowa ku account.yake.tiyeni tiwasiye ma court agwire ntchito yawo aftr all dzulo agamula kuti mlandu upitirire,apa chofunika kungopempha amene a kumuimbira kuti achepetse kuimitsaimitsa mlandu.ndi dzana limene lija mlanduwudi u the

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