Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-05 08:24:14
The Office of the Director of Public Officers’ Declarations (Odpod) has raised concerns about the high default rate among mainstream public officers in Malawi when it comes to declaring their assets. While politicians have been more proactive in disclosing their wealth, public officers have lagged behind.
During an interview with a group of Commissions, Statutory Authorities, State Enterprises, and Public Appointments committees of Parliament, Odpod Deputy Director Beyani Munthali expressed disappointment in the lack of compliance with asset declaration requirements. Munthali emphasized the importance of achieving 100 percent compliance and highlighted the consequences for non-compliance.
Munthali stated that the directorate has the authority to report defaulting officers to their appointing authorities, leading to termination of their jobs and banning them from government employment for seven years. Cluster co-Chairperson Joyce Chitsulo echoed Munthali’s sentiments, emphasizing the need for penalties to deter other defaulting officers.
Chitsulo emphasized the need for institutions to take action against defaulting employees and collaborate with the committee to address the issue. She stressed the importance of transparency in fighting corruption and encouraged public officers to be forthcoming with their asset declarations.
The law mandates listed public officers to declare their assets within the first three months of the year or upon assuming a listed position. Failure to submit the required declaration without reasonable cause could result in dismissal, as outlined in Section 18 of the Act.
The latest report from Odpod highlighted State-owned enterprises as major offenders in non-compliance with asset declaration laws. This indicates a systemic issue within government agencies that needs to be addressed promptly to uphold transparency and accountability.
Moving forward, Odpod and relevant committees will work together to improve compliance and ensure that all public officers fulfill their obligations regarding asset declaration. By enforcing penalties and engaging with defaulting institutions, steps can be taken to enhance transparency and integrity within the public service.
In conclusion, the challenge of high default rates among public officers in declaring their assets in Malawi is a critical issue that requires immediate attention. Through collaboration between Odpod, parliamentary committees, and government agencies, steps can be taken to address non-compliance and uphold transparency in public service. It is essential for all public officers to adhere to the requirements of asset declaration to maintain the integrity and accountability of their positions within the government.
Read the original article on The Times
