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‘Malopa was not employed by govt’

The fired MBC CEO Bright Malopa worked without any authority as he did not have a contract with government, the Department of Statutory Corporations has said.

Malopa, who was among the first people to be relieved of his duties after the death of President Bingu wa Mutharika, is also reportedly clinging to an official vehicle, a Nissan Pathfinder, which he was using as director general of the debt-ridden State broadcaster.

Malopa was widely seen as one of the late Mutharika’s blue-eyed boys, spearheading media propaganda against government critics.

Acting comptroller of Statutory Corporations Charles Chindebvu on Friday said Malopa had no contract that was signed by government, and that he was not necessarily fired, but relieved of his post as he was not part of government.

Said Chindebvu: “When he was appointed during the merger, it was on temporary basis. There was no contract given to him as the process was not concluded. He wrote something else on paper and made the board chairperson to sign, but government did not sign anything.”

Chindebvu said for anyone to be fully employed by government, there are steps that are to be followed by all, including a signed contract with government, which is a signatory. According to Chindebvu, that did not happen in Malopa’s case.

Said the acting comptroller: “I cannot call it a contract as government did  not sign it.”

On reports that Malopa is clinging to the official vehicle, Chindebvu said since Malopa was never employed by government, it is “irregular” for him to cling to a property which he is not entitled to.”

In an interview, Malopa agreed with Chindebvu that he did not have a contract with government but MBC. But he said the corporation is better placed to comment on why he has not handed over the vehicle.

Said Malopa: “I have a contract with MBC until June 2013. I am waiting to be told of my future. I have never had a contract with government, that is true.

“I am grateful forever for the opportunity I had to serve at MBC. If they have fired me, then they are free to collect the vehicle but they have to write to me first.”

On the employment contract, Malopa said: “Ask the MBC board chairperson.”

Chairperson Father Alfred Nsope’s number went unanswered.

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