By Our Reporter
Chiradzulu-based youth political and social commentator Suleman Chitera has come out strongly in defence of the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) decision to award multi-billion-kwacha security contracts to three private firms, dismissing public outrage and social media backlash as misinformed and reckless.
In a hard-hitting public statement, Chitera said the contracts—valued at over K4 billion and spanning 24 months—were lawfully awarded to Master Security Service, Kamu Guard Services, and Iringa Security Services following a competitive public procurement process. He stressed that the bidding, evaluation, and award were conducted internally by a duly constituted procurement committee, in strict compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets framework.
While acknowledging the public’s right to scrutinize government spending, Chitera warned against what he described as “mob-driven outrage fueled by speculation, anger, and personal vendettas rather than facts.”
“Public procurement must be governed by law and procedure, not trial by social media,” Chitera said. “Noise is not evidence.”
He further emphasized that the Constitution of Malawi guarantees every citizen the right to engage in lawful economic activity. According to Chitera, the companies awarded the contracts are Malawian-owned, employ thousands of citizens, contribute taxes to the state, and are fully entitled to compete for and win public tenders.
Chitera also praised MRA for publicly disclosing the names of the successful bidders, describing the move as a clear demonstration of transparency—despite controversy surrounding alleged links between some firms and serving cabinet ministers or individuals perceived to be sympathetic to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“If there is credible evidence of political interference, corruption, or backroom dealings, it must be produced,” he challenged. “Absent proof, institutions should not be bullied into paralysis.”
At the same time, Chitera called for long-term reforms to Malawi’s procurement laws, proposing restrictions on serving public officers participating in public bidding in order to eliminate real or perceived conflicts of interest.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability in public procurement, while condemning what he termed “the dangerous rise of social media vigilantism aimed at micro-managing state institutions.”
“The fight against corruption will not be won through noise and outrage,” Chitera said. “It will be won through facts, law, and due process.”
