Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament yesterday failed to interview Attorney General (AG) Frank Mbeta because the government’s chief legal adviser said he needs a seven days’ notice to prepare.
The committee wants to interview Mbeta on the controversial acquisition of Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund during an ongoing public inquiry. Mbeta on Monday also failed to appear before the committee, citing other pressing matters.
But in a letter dated March 18 2026, the AG said his office was served with a summons at noon requiring him to appear before the committee at 5.30pm.
He cited Standing Order 185(5) of Parliament, which requires that he be given seven days’ notice before appearing.
“The seven days will enable my office to prepare on all legal issues that will have arisen through the committee’s inquiry,” Mbeta said.
“Considering that I am the principal legal adviser to government and that government refers to the three branches; namely, the Executive, the National Assembly as well as the Judiciary, it is only proper that I should be the last person to appear before the committee.”
He maintained that he is ready to appear at any time as long as proper procedure is followed.
On Monday, PAC chairperson Steven Malondera told members that Parliament received communication at 8:45am on Monday indicating that the AG would not attend a session scheduled for 9:30am due to “other extremely urgent commitments”.
Malondera had earlier indicated that the committee was moving to subpoena Mbeta after the last-minute no-show.
Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs spokesperson Frank Namangale did not respond to our questionnaire by press time at 10pm.
President Peter Mutharika has backed the investigation, stating that his administration is committed to transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
notice. | Nation
