By Suleman Chitera
Leader of Opposition, Simplex Chithyola Banda, has called for the immediate firing or suspension of individuals implicated in the controversial sale of Amaryllis Hotel, arguing that decisive action would prove the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.
Chithyola Banda said the ongoing parliamentary inquiry into the transaction must not end as a routine investigation without consequences, stressing that accountability is essential if the public is to regain confidence in government institutions.
The opposition leader was reacting to the probe being conducted by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC) into the purchase of the hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) at a cost of K128.7 billion, a deal that has sparked widespread public debate and raised questions about transparency and value for money.
“If the President is serious about fighting corruption, those implicated must either be fired or suspended while investigations continue,” Chithyola Banda said, adding that failure to act would send the wrong message to Malawians who expect integrity in the management of public resources.
However, Sameer Suleman, the Speaker of Parliament, said the House has already provided the necessary backing to the inquiry and urged patience as the process unfolds.
Suleman said members of Parliament will receive the findings once the PAC completes its investigations.
“The House has done its part by allowing the committee to conduct the inquiry. Members will receive the report once the investigations are concluded,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joshua Malango, Member of Parliament for Dedza Kasina, raised a point of order in the House demanding that security be guaranteed for members of the PAC conducting the investigation.
Malango warned that the inquiry involves sensitive matters and could expose powerful interests, making it necessary to ensure the safety of lawmakers involved in the probe.
“This is a serious investigation involving huge public resources. Committee members must be protected so they can carry out their work without fear,” Malango said.
In response, Speaker Suleman revealed that the PAC chairperson has already held discussions with the Inspector General of the Malawi Police Service regarding the alleged threats.
He said the committee has been advised to formally submit details of the threats so that appropriate security measures can be put in place.
The investigation into the Amaryllis Hotel deal has become one of the most closely watched corruption-related probes in recent years, with many Malawians expecting the parliamentary inquiry to expose how the high-value transaction was handled and whether public funds were properly safeguarded.
