By Suleman Chitera
In a thoughtful and patriotic open letter addressed to the Parliament of Malawi, senior citizen Willard Mhone has called on Members of Parliament to intensify their oversight role following the recent Supreme Court of Appeal ruling on Finance Bank. The Court overturned a previous High Court judgment, ordering compensation to the bank, a development that Mr. Mhone says carries significant implications for Malawi’s financial sector and public governance.
Writing as an engaged observer of national affairs, Mhone commended the August House for the seriousness, maturity, and patriotic tone of recent parliamentary debates. “The current debates reflect a renewed commitment toward the betterment of Malawian citizens,” he noted, emphasizing that Parliament serves not merely as a legislative chamber but as the heartbeat of the country’s democracy.
The senior citizen’s letter highlights several areas of concern arising from the Supreme Court ruling:
- Integrity of the Financial System – Ensuring that financial institutions and regulators act in accordance with the law and maintain public trust.
- Protection of Public Funds – Safeguarding taxpayers’ money from avoidable liabilities.
- Investor and Depositor Confidence – Maintaining stability in Malawi’s financial sector to attract and retain investment.
- Regulatory Accountability – Ensuring that financial regulators operate effectively and transparently.
Mhone urged Parliament, particularly the Public Accounts Committee and the Legal Affairs Committee, to review the broader policy, fiscal, and governance implications of the ruling. He clarified that his appeal was not intended to interfere with the judiciary, which must remain independent, but rather to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The letter further recommends strengthening parliamentary oversight over financial regulators, clarifying legal frameworks for banking supervision, enhancing risk management protocols in government financial decisions, and protecting taxpayers from avoidable fiscal liabilities.
“Malawi’s development depends on institutional strength, predictability of law, and responsible governance,” Mhone wrote. “Parliamentary oversight must serve as the bridge between judicial outcomes and policy refinement, ensuring that lessons are learned and systems are improved.”
He concluded by reminding legislators that history will judge their generation not by partisan victories, but by the reforms and institutional strengthening they deliver for the nation. “As representatives of the people, you carry the collective hopes of our nation. I encourage you to remain steadfast, principled, and united in matters that advance national interest above political considerations.”
The open letter serves as a timely reminder that the role of Parliament extends beyond passing laws. It underscores the importance of oversight, policy coherence, and institutional strengthening in safeguarding Malawi’s financial stability and democratic integrity.
