The Forum for National Development ( FND) has written the chairperson of Public Appointments Committee ( PAC) of Parliament, Joyce Chitsulo, on what action the House will take following failure by National Oil Company of Malawi( Nocma) board chairperson Colleen Zamba and PS for ministry of Energy Alfonso Chikuni to appear before Public Appointments Committee (PAC) in November last year.

Zamba, who is also Secretary to the President and Cabinet (SPC), was summoned to share more light on the alleged dubious fuel contracts the state-owned company was purportedly being pressured to undertake.

But the Office of the Attorney General (AG) at the time advised Parliament against summoning Zamba to the hearing.
In the letter we have seen, dated February 6, 2023, FND national coordinator Fryson Chodzi observes that failure to avail oneself after being summoned is tantamount to contempt of Parliament adding that the House has powers to seek warrant of arrest.

In a telephone interview today , Chitsulo indicated that the committee already resolved to write the Speaker to subpoena Zamba and Chikuni.

She added that the members agreed that Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority ( Mera) Chief Executive Officer (Ceo), Henry Kachaje should also be summoned to explain his part.

Standing Order 157(a) of Parliament of Malawi empowers PAC to scrutinise, consider and enquire into the competence of public appointees under the Constitution and report to the Assembly.

Source:NPL