Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
Attorney General Frank Mbeta has launched a strong rebuttal against sections of the media, accusing them of misrepresenting his role in the controversial acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel, insisting he neither authorised nor endorsed the multibillion-kwacha transaction.
Appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Mbeta dismissed claims that his office gave a green light to the K128.7 billion deal, describing such reports as false and misleading.
“I did not authorise or endorse the purchase,” Mbeta told the committee in firm terms.
To clarify his position, the Attorney General referenced a letter dated December 20, 2025, in which he provided legal guidance to the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF) board. He stressed that his advice was conditional and not an approval of the transaction.
“I advised the board to review the risks and ensure compliance with prudent investment principles and regulatory requirements before proceeding with the transaction,” he said.
Mbeta emphasized that the ultimate decision-making authority rested solely with the PSPTF Board of Trustees, which operates with full discretion under its trust deed and relevant pension laws.
He further pointed to findings from both the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and the Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM), which found no evidence of corruption in the deal but raised concerns over prudential and financial management issues.
According to Mbeta, his role was strictly confined to offering legal counsel based on those findings, including reminding the board of its fiduciary responsibilities.
“My role is to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. Commercial issues are outside my mandate,” he said.
He also criticized media coverage for overlooking key aspects of his advisory, particularly the requirement that the board satisfy itself that all conditions had been met before proceeding with the purchase.
The Amaryllis Hotel deal has sparked intense public and political scrutiny, with questions centering on governance, accountability, and the stewardship of pension funds.
- Sameer Suleman Hailed as Model of Good Leadership
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Many people across Malawi have begun praising Speaker of the National Assembly, Right Honourable Sameer Suleman, describing him as a patriotic and visionary leader whose commitment to national unity, transparency and responsible governance continues to inspire confidence. Read moreBiography of Colleen Pempho ZambaThe growing praise follows a… - Mzuzu City Hammers Face Home Support Dilemma as Experts Urge Return to Mzuzu Stadium
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Sports analysts have urged Mzuzu City Hammers to return to Mzuzu Stadium, warning that continued use of Rumphi Stadium as their home ground could weaken the club’s long-term fan base and commercial growth despite positive results on the pitch. Read moreSulom, clubs unite on broadcasting rightsThe Northern… - Dr. Imran Sheriff Expresses Interest in Leading Muslim Association of Malawi
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter Dr. Imran Sheriff has emerged as one of the individuals being discussed as a potential candidate for the position of Chairperson of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM). Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentSupporters describe Dr. Sheriff as an experienced and dedicated leader who has… - Malawians deserve results, not costly advice, says Muluzi
Share Listen to this article By Aubrey Thom Vakhani United Democratic Front (UDF) President Atupele Muluzi has criticised President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s move to seek help from the Tony Blair Institute nearly a year into his administration. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentIn a statement, Muluzi asked what would be different this time,… - China to Deliver First Tranche of US$3 Million Emergency Aid to Malawi in November
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Chinese Government has announced that the first tranche of its additional US$3 million emergency assistance package for Malawi will begin arriving in November, reinforcing Beijing’s commitment to supporting the country’s humanitarian and development needs. Read moreAnti Corruption Bureau Search the office for Dipak Jevant /Sealand investments… - Chithyola to Take Plea in K29.5 Billion Corruption Case on August 7
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter Former Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Simplex Chithyola Banda is expected to appear before the Lilongwe Chief Resident Magistrate’s Court on August 7, 2026, to take plea in a corruption case involving the alleged abuse of public office over approximately K29.5 billion in extra-budgetary funding for… - 200 Nkhatabay Kasasile Families Walk to Lilongwe Seeking Government Action
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Nearly 200 displaced residents from Kasasile in Nkhata Bay District have embarked on a long journey on foot to Capital Hill in Lilongwe in a desperate bid to force government authorities to address their unresolved resettlement concerns. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentThe group, made… - Miss Malawi Thandie Chisi Backs Ireen Navicha for Miss World 2026
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Miss Malawi, Thandie Chisi, has expressed confidence in Malawi’s representative to the Miss World 2026 pageant, Ireen Navicha, saying the young beauty queen possesses the qualities needed to compete successfully on one of the world’s biggest beauty and advocacy stages. Read moreSattar Ready To Stand Before Court… - Ben Phiri Defends CDF Rollout, Says K15 Billion Already Disbursed
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera LILONGWE, Malawi – Minister of Local Government Ben Phiri has defended the government’s implementation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), insisting that the programme is progressing according to plan despite criticism from some Members of Parliament over delays. Read moreBatatawala Loses K407 Million Case Against GovernmentSpeaking in… - FDH Bank plc backs Brian McKnight concert
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera FDH Bank plc has partnered with Lawi Group as the official financial partner for the upcoming ‘Sunset in the Warm Heart’ concert scheduled for August 1,2026 at Game Haven in Thyolo where American R&B legend Brian McKnight will be performing in Malawi for the first time. Read moreSouth African Dancer Zodwa Wabantu Stopped Not… - Government Releases K100 Billion to Boost Maize Stocks, Vows No Malawian Will Die of HungerShare Listen to this article .By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens from hunger, with Minister of Finance Joseph Mwanamveka announcing that K100 billion has been allocated to the National Food Reserve Agency (NFRA) to strengthen the country’s strategic maize reserves. Read moreAnti Corruption Bureau Search the office for…
- Minister applauds PressCane clean cooking initiativeShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Minister of Natural Resources Patricia Wiskes has applauded PressCane Limited for introducing an ethanol cooking initiative aimed at promoting clean cooking energy and reducing harmful emissions and deforestation caused by charcoal use. Read moreAshok sued Martha Chizuma personally, not ACB office”- Bon KalindoSpeaking during a tour of…
- Pakistani Businessman’s Postmortem Report to Be Used as Evidence in Murder Trial
Share Listen to this article By Our Reporter The postmortem results of Pakistani-born businessman Asif Khan, who died under mysterious circumstances in Mudi, Blantyre, will be presented in court as key evidence in a high-profile murder case that has attracted widespread public attention. Read moreAshok sued Martha Chizuma personally, not ACB office”- Bon KalindoMalawi Police… - Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital Reopens Private Maternity WardShare Listen to this article By Our Reporter Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) has officially reopened its renovated private maternity ward, a move expected to improve maternal healthcare services while generating revenue to support free healthcare services at Malawi’s largest referral hospital. Read moreMalawi To Have State of Art Private Cancer Centre In BlantyreThe reopening…
- FDH Bank pumps K100 million into MUST Endowment fund initiativeShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera FDH Bank plc has contributed K100 million towards the Malawi University of Science and Technology (MUST) Endowment Fund initiative, reaffirming its commitment to supporting financially challenged students at the university. Read moreComesa Competition Commission Celebrates 10th anniversaryThis is the second contribution the Bank has made towards the…
- Bullets and Khumbo Banda Part Ways by Mutual Agreement
Share Listen to this article By Sports Reporter FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have confirmed the departure of defender Khumbo Banda after both parties mutually agreed to terminate his contract, bringing an end to his spell with the Blantyre giants. Read moreSulom, clubs unite on broadcasting rightsThe People’s Team announced the development in a statement released… - Malawi Moves to Digitise Passport Processing as MP Pushes for Online Applications
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Malawi Government has reaffirmed its commitment to digitising passport processing, a move expected to transform the country’s immigration services by reducing corruption, shortening waiting times and improving convenience for thousands of passport applicants. Read moreAnti Corruption Bureau Search the office for Dipak Jevant /Sealand investments limitedThe… - Ireland Urges Malawi to Remove Taxes on Clean Cooking SolutionsShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera The Irish Government has called on Malawi to remove taxes on clean energy technologies, arguing that making cleaner cooking solutions more affordable is essential to tackling deforestation, improving public health and achieving the country’s clean energy ambitions. Read moreTOLL GATE SCANDLE! MK25 million looted in less than…
- ESCOM Set to Commission K33 Billion Battery Storage SystemShare Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera Malawi’s electricity supply is set for a significant technological upgrade as the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) prepares to commission a 20-megawatt/40-megawatt-hour Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) on Friday, a project expected to improve the reliability and efficiency of the national power grid. Read moreTOLL GATE…
