By Vincent Gunde
An independent Presidential aspirant Isaiah Emmanuel Sunganimoyo, says the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is mandated to collect taxes and not to make laws claiming that the power to make laws rests with the National Assembly.
Sunganimoyo said the recent decision by the government through the MRA to seize goods purchased by Malawians and investors using foreign currency obtained from the black market has to be strongly condemned saying this move is not only unjust but also unlawful.
He said the MRA’s decision has undermined the rights of Malawians and investors to freely acquire and own property and it has also created uncertainty and instability in the business environment which can have far-reaching consequencies for the country’s economy.
Writing in a statement, Sunganimoyo said the MRA’s move has disproportionately affected ordinary Malawians who rely on the black market due to the scarcity of foreign currency in the formal banking system observing that it is unfair to punish citizens for seeking alternative means to access essential goods and services.
Sunganimoyo has urged the MRA to re consider this decision and instead engage stakeholders in finding solutions that promote fair trade practices, support local businesses, and protect the rights of citizens and investors calling upon the government to ensure that the MRA operates within its mandated powers and does not overstep its authority.
He said it is a disputable fact that the current forex shortages in Malawi are as a result of the MCP government’s mismanagement of the economy rather than any alleging thieving by the previous DPP in government.
The Presidential aspirant said the frequent international trips made by President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera and his bloated entourages which have reportedly cost the country K2.9 trillion, have yielded little tangible benefit and have exacerbated the forex crisis.
“Over borrowing has drained the country’s much needed forex, the DPP left K3.16 trillion national debts in June, 2020, the country’s national debt has ballooned to K16.1 trillion putting a strain on the economy,” said Sunganimoyo.
He said the government’s lack of stable forex reserves and its failure to address the underlying economic issues, have worsened the situation in the country saying it is unfair to attribute the forex shortages solely to the DPP government alone.
Sunganimoyo said the current government’s actions and policies have played a significant role in the economic crisis and it is essential to acknowledge and address these issues for the country to move forward calling for the need of transparency and accountability from the government on how they are managing the economy and addressing the forex shortages saying the Malawian people deserve better, and it’s time for the government to take responsibility for their actions.
