The Malawi-Led Black Economic and Empowerment Movement (MABLEM) has criticized Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over what it describes as an unexplained silence regarding the progress of investigations into the controversial Amaryllis Hotel deal, warning that it may seek legal intervention to ensure accountability.
The controversy surrounds the government’s decision, through the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), to purchase the Amaryllis Hotel from Yusuf Investments for MWK128 billion. Reports indicate that approximately MWK90 billion has already been paid toward the transaction, making it one of the most scrutinized public investment deals in recent years.
Concerns over the valuation of the property, the procurement process, and the use of public pension funds prompted Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to launch a public inquiry into the transaction. The committee held public hearings and received testimony from various stakeholders, raising expectations that a detailed report would be released outlining its findings and recommendations.23 PAC members adopts Amaryllis Hotel sale Report
However, months after the inquiry began, PAC has yet to publish its report or provide a public update on the status of the investigation. The delay has drawn criticism from governance advocates and members of the public who believe greater transparency is necessary given the scale of the investment.
MABLEM National Coordinator Fryson Chodzi accused the committee of failing in its oversight responsibilities, arguing that the prolonged silence undermines public confidence in state institutions.
Chodzi alleged that the handling of the Amaryllis Hotel transaction points to broader governance challenges, claiming that authorities are attempting to conceal the truth instead of ensuring accountability.
“If you look at the whole Amaryllis Hotel deal, what has transpired points to one thing—that all they are trying to do is cover up. It is very unfortunate and saddening that PAC has opted to take this route,” Chodzi said.
He further argued that the lack of communication from the committee reinforces public perceptions of corruption within government institutions.
“It is not surprising to see this kind of silence. It tells you that we are running a criminal enterprise in this country, and we have people in high offices and at all levels of government, across all three branches of government, who are corrupt and able to cover things up. That is the unfortunate part,” he added.Inside the Amaryllis Hotel Scandal: The Multi-Billion Kwacha Deal That Shook Malawi
Chodzi said MABLEM believes institutional mechanisms have failed to deliver accountability, leaving the organization with little choice but to pursue legal remedies.
According to him, court action may provide an independent avenue for establishing the facts surrounding the transaction and ensuring that public resources are protected.
“We are now left with only one option, which is to pursue legal action. We hope that the courts will deliver justice after what we have seen as the failure of other institutions,” he said.
The MABLEM coordinator also urged Malawians to demand greater accountability from public institutions, emphasizing that the funds involved belong to taxpayers and pension contributors.
“The public must also be angry when their money has been stolen. PAC has demonstrated that it is compromised, based on the allegations that were raised, and the silence is painting a bad picture of how these public institutions can help Malawians facing injustices,” Chodzi said.
He further claimed that the committee’s continued silence risks fueling public speculation regarding allegations that some members may have accepted inducements to delay or suppress the inquiry’s findings.
The allegations made by Chodzi have not been independently verified, and no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate claims that PAC members received payments to delay the report.
Efforts to obtain a response from PAC Chairperson Baba Steven Malondera were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone reportedly went unanswered at the time Capital FM sought comment.
The Amaryllis Hotel transaction has become one of Malawi’s most closely watched governance issues, with civil society organizations, political commentators, and members of the public calling for greater transparency over how public funds are being used. Many stakeholders believe the release of PAC’s report will be critical in determining whether proper procedures were followed and whether any further investigations or corrective measures are required.Court Throws Out Amaryllis Hotel Bid to Unfreeze Bank Accounts
As public pressure continues to mount, attention is now focused on whether Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee will release its long-awaited findings or provide an official explanation for the delay. Until then, the Amaryllis Hotel deal is likely to remain at the center of national debate over public accountability, governance, and the management of taxpayer and pension funds.
