Minister, MRA warn politicians against abuse

Deputy Minister of Finance Cornelius Mwalwanda and Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) commissioner general John Biziwick have cautioned politicians against abusing the public tax collector.

During the deputy minister’s tour of MRA structures in the Northern Region last week, MRA officers complained that politicians, especially those in government, have always caused problems for MRA when it comes to paying taxes. The officers said politicians threaten MRA officials that they will lose their jobs if they force them to pay tax.

The officials also complained that ruling parties have been abusing MRA vehicles for party functions, a development that frustrates MRA’s efforts to collect more revenue.

Reacting to the concerns, Mwalwanda said it was shocking to learn that some politicians do not comply with tax payment.

He urged MRA officials to report any politician who does not comply with tax payment.

On use of MRA vehicles, Mwalwanda said President Joyce Banda made it clear that no government vehicle be used for party functions. He said any politician found forcing MRA officials to give vehicles will be taken to task.

Biziwick said his office will not sit back and watch politicians abuse MRA. He called on his officers to report to his office any politician who tries to evade tax or asks for vehicles.

However, he said since he became the commissioner general, his office has not received complaints of politicians trying to evade tax and threatening MRA officials that they will lose their jobs if they dare force the politicians pay tax.