By Suleman Chitera
Lilongwe — Suspended Principal Officer for the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), George Jim, has denied allegations that he was pressured by the current administration to facilitate the controversial purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel.
Appearing before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC), Jim told lawmakers that he did not receive any directives from the incumbent government to fast-track the transaction. Instead, he attributed past pressure to officials from the previous administration.
“During the MCP administration, I was receiving pressure from the former Secretary to the President and Cabinet, but under the current ruling government, no one pushed for the speedy completion of the hotel purchase,” Jim said.
He specifically pointed to Colleen Zamba, who served as Secretary to the President and Cabinet during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP)-led administration, as the source of the pressure he experienced at the time.
Meanwhile, PAC Chairperson Steve Baba Malondera said the committee’s inquiry into the transaction is ongoing, with more witnesses expected to testify.
“We are still examining the circumstances surrounding this matter and will be calling additional witnesses to help establish the full picture,” Malondera said.
The committee is probing the PSPTF’s acquisition of the Amaryllis Hotel at a cost of K128.7 billion — a figure that has raised concern among stakeholders and the public. The price represents a sharp increase from an earlier valuation of K47 billion conducted by Knight Frank in July 2023.
The significant disparity between the initial valuation and the final purchase price has triggered debate over possible financial mismanagement and due diligence failures in the transaction.
As part of the ongoing investigation, Attorney General Frank Mbeta is scheduled to appear before PAC on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. to provide further clarification on legal and procedural aspects surrounding the deal.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to play a critical role in determining accountability and guiding possible reforms in the management of public pension funds in Malawi.
- Limpopo FM praises Mutharika for Kamlepo Kalua’s appointment
By Vincent Gunde Limpopo FM online radio station, has praised President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika for appointing one of the… - MEC Headquarters Relocation Dispute Reaches High Court as Mutharika Faces Legal Challenge
By Suleman Chitera Three Malawians have taken President Peter Mutharika to the High Court, challenging his decision to relocate the… - Kalumo to Challenge Corruption Charges in Court, Cites Immunity and ACB Jurisdiction
By Suleman Chitera Former Immigration Director General, Brigadier General Charles Kalumo (retired), is expected to appear before the Lilongwe Senior… - Chitera Salutes Mutharika’s Board Appointments, Says Merit Was Put Above PoliticsBy Malawi Freedom Network In a bold assessment that is likely to stir debate, media practitioner Suleman Chitera has hailed…
- Reserve Bank of Malawi Donates State-of-the-Art Bus to Silver Strikers to Boost 2026 Season Performance
By Suleman Chitera The Reserve Bank of Malawi (RBM) has reinforced its commitment to sports development by handing over a… - Malawi Launches Nationwide Sanitation Plan to Enforce Public Hygiene Standards
By Suleman Chitera The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has officially launched the implementation plan for Executive Order No. 2,… - Savor the Taste of Home: Why Ekhaya Farms Foods’ Fresh Beef Stew Is Winning Hearts
By Suleman Chitera Imagine walking into a warm, welcoming space filled with the rich, mouthwatering aroma of perfectly simmered beef… - BMTV accuses DPP of no lessons from recruiting double standards people
By Vincent Gunde Bakili Muluzi TV online television station, has accused DPP of failing to learn lessons from recruiting double… - Msonda recommends giving Mutharika the title NGWAZIBy Vincent Gunde. Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Deputy Publicity Secretary Kenneth Chitatata Msonda, says he would recommend giving the title…
- ESCOM New CEO William Kaipa Begins Reforms to Fix Malawi Electricity Supply Crisis
By Suleman Chitera The Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM) has entered a decisive new phase following the appointment of… - Free Water in Blantyre: BWB Rolls Out 3-Month Cholera Prevention Program at 870 Kiosks
By Suleman Chitera The Blantyre Water Board (BWB) has announced a major public health intervention, allowing residents to access water… - Kamangila complains that Malawi has no law to protect whistle blowersBy Vincent Gunde Human Rights Lawyer Alexious Kamangila, says Malawi has no law that protect corruption whistle blowers claiming that…
- Europe Accused of “Visa Fee Exploitation” as Hakainde Hichilema Sparks African Backlash
By Suleman Chitera A growing wave of frustration is sweeping across Africa following remarks by Hakainde Hichilema, who has sharply… - Drone security scare: Atupele Muluzi Demands Full Probe Over Vice President’s Residence Incident
By Suleman Chitera President of the United Democratic Front (UDF), Atupele Muluzi, has called for a thorough and professional investigation… - Concerned MCP member vows to speak until Chakwera steps down
By Burnett Munthali A concerned member of the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) has vowed to continue speaking out until Dr.… - Chihana Hits the Ground Running at Blantyre Water Board, Engages Chirimba Residents Over Water Crisis
By Suleman Chitera Newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Blantyre Water Board (BWB), Yeremiah Chihana, has made an immediate… - China Issues Stark Warning: “Withdraw Now or Risk Another Gaza” as Israel Faces Mounting Global Pressure Over LebanonBy Suleman Chitera China has delivered a blunt and urgent message to Israel, demanding an immediate withdrawal from Lebanon and…
