Malawi opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) president and leader of the party in Parliament Atupele Muluzi says he is ready to declare his assets even though the Constitution does not mandate him to do so.
In his response to the statement from the Vice-President Khumbo Kachali on theft of public resources, Muluzi told Parliament on Wednesday that politicians, especially those heading the current administration should cultivate trust with disillusioned Malawians by showing that they have nothing to hide.
“We in the UDF believe this fight should look further than what has been provided so far. We are asking government, that if it is serious about transparency and accountability, then it must begin with the President and Cabinet. If not, it sends the wrong message. I am prepared to declare my assets, I can do it even without the law in place,” he said to applause from the opposition benches.
Parliament is expected to table the Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Business Interests Bill which will make mandatory for all public officers, from the president to civil servants to declare their assets.
“We want assurance that the ACB and police would be free from political interference, to take this cash-gate scandal to its conclusion,” he said.
