House refers Assets Bill to committee
Malawi Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Fahad Assani on Wednesday consented to recommendations from the House that the Declaration of Assets Bill be referred to the Public Appointments Committee (PAC) of Parliament for further scrutiny.
This means the passing of the bill would delay by some days, but it is expected to be passed before the House rises next week.
The bill, which was tabled on Monday, seeks to regularise Section 88 and 213 of the Constitution to include more public officers who should declare their assets, liabilities and business interests on appointment into public office.
The bill would come into effect on the day the bill is gazette and all 48 public officers listed would be required to comply with the new Act.
Assani said although he felt drafting of the bill was done thoroughly, he would reluctantly allow the bill to go through the hands of the committee to garner support for the bill from the whole House.
“The bill requires support from both sides. We cannot afford to alienate any side to deal with the theft and pilferage rampant in public service. I am constrained and with reluctance I agree that it be referred to the relevant committee,” said Assani.
Chairperson of the committee Nick Masebo assured the House of his committee’s readiness to deal with the bill and present a report to Parliament afterwards but only with facilitation and support of the Parliament secretariat.
Meanwhile, Parliament will today [Thursday] sit for half a day and adjourn until Monday to allow MPs to attend the funeral of Eunice Kazembe who until her death on Monday was member of Parliament (MP) for Chiradzulu South and Minister responsible for Good Governance.
