PP knows more than DPP—Kalilani

The blame game in the theft of about K110 billion (about $275m) of taxpayers money at Capital Hill continues between politicians, especially Members of Parliament (MPs) following remarks from Dowa Central MP Jean Kalilani that the ruling People’s Party (PP) knew more about cash-gate than Democratic Progressive Party (DPP).

Since debate started in Parliament on the looting at Capital Hill, PP and DPP have flung accusations and counter-accusations at each other about houses and buildings procured dubiously during their administrations.

On Friday, Kalilani said it was wrong for ministers in PP government to accuse those in DPP of looting when less than two years ago they were part of the team.

“Those who are ministers today were ministers yesterday. But it seems they have information now which the new DPP does not have,” she said.

Kalilani herself alleged that former minister of Finance Ken Lipenga was constructing a house in Blantyre which will cost K90 million (about $225m).

However, Lipenga did not respond to the allegation but warned his fellow MPs that peddling rumours from social networking sites such as Facebook in the House was dangerous.

Meanwhile, Kalilani has recommended the formation of a committee independent of the Executive and Parliament to investigate the issue.

She said such a committee should be appointed by Parliament and report to the House unlike the Crimes Investigation Committee within the police.

The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament is expected to present a new report to Parliament with recommendations from parliamentarians, which the House will adopt.