The Centre for Democracy and Economic Development Initiatives (CDEDI) has written the Clerk of Parliament (CoP) requesting minutes and audios of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on the infamous East Bridge fertilizer deal.
The CoP has been given a seven-day ultimatum.
On Tuesday, PAC Chairperson Mark Botoman said the committee cancelled public inquiry on the deal after it transpired that government did not spend any money.
However, in a letter dated September 14, 2023, CDEDI Executive Director Slyvester Namiwa said the suspects foul play in the way the whole issue was handled.
“There is a heated debate that has culminated into serious allegations of money exchanging hands. As you are aware. Members of Parliament are representatives of the people on one hand, and both the committee and plenary meetings of Parliament are public meetings on the other hand, CDEDI strongly believes that Malawians have a right to know what really transpired during the two hours meeting prior to the abrupt announcement.
“By making public the requested information, your office will not only demonstrate high levels of transparency and accountability, but such a gesture will put to rest the debate that has dominated the public discourse.
“In view of the above and in line with Access To Information (ATI) Act and also in line with the spirit and wording of section 12 subsection 1 (b) of the republican constitution, which states that all legal and political authority derives from the people of Malawi and shall be exercised to serve and protect their interests, we would like to believe that whatever was discussed during the said meeting was in the best interest of the voters and taxpayers, hence we are not asking for too much,” reads part of the letter
