Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Rebecca Chimjeka
Published on 2024-04-13 05:54:11
The Special Law Commission has made significant recommendations aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the government. One of the key recommendations is for traditional authorities on the government payroll to start declaring their assets. In addition to traditional leaders, the Commission has also suggested that land officers, auditing personnel, operators of critical information infrastructure, officers from the Malawi Bureau of Standards, police officers, investigative officers at various institutions, and other key personnel should also declare their assets.
Reyneck Matemba, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, emphasized that these recommendations are crucial in curbing corruption and promoting integrity in governance. By requiring public officials, including traditional leaders, to declare their assets, the Commission aims to instill a culture of accountability within the government. Benedicto Kondowe, chairperson of the National Advocacy Platform, hailed these recommendations as a significant step towards transparency and ethical conduct in public service.
However, Kondowe also highlighted several challenges that must be addressed to ensure the effective implementation of these recommendations. One of the major challenges is the enforcement of asset declaration requirements, which will require robust mechanisms to verify declarations and ensure compliance. Overcoming potential resistance from traditional authorities and other personnel who may view asset declarations as intrusive or burdensome is also crucial.
Kondowe suggested that capacity-building through training and resource allocation will be essential in supporting the implementation process and ensuring stakeholder compliance with asset declaration requirements. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability through these recommendations demonstrates a dedication to fostering good governance practices and strengthening democratic institutions in Malawi.
The Special Law Commission also recommended amending the country’s Constitution to include failure to declare assets as a ground for the removal of Members of Parliament who fail to comply. Presenting the findings during the review of the Public Officers Declaration of Assets Act, Commissioner Patrick Zaipa highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to ensure accountability among public officials.
Moreover, the annual declaration report on compliance by listed public officers revealed that state-owned companies ranked the lowest in compliance with asset declaration laws. Parastatals such as Lilongwe Handling Company, the Medical Council of Malawi, and Malawi Housing Corporation showed minimal compliance rates, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and oversight in these institutions.
In conclusion, the recommendations put forth by the Special Law Commission are aimed at promoting transparency, integrity, and accountability within the government. While challenges exist in enforcing these recommendations, the commitment to good governance practices and democratic principles remains strong, underscoring the government’s dedication to fostering a culture of ethical conduct and accountability in public service.
Read the original article on The Times
