By Isaac Salima:
The Public Affairs Committee (Pac) has hit out at the government over its governance and economic decisions, urging it to find solutions for the betterment of Malawians.
This is contained in a statement released Wednesday.
The quasi-religious body has, among other things, questioned the introduction of taxes on products and levies imposed on personal bank accounts.
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“We wish to express doubt whether the levies on personal accounts were well explained to the citizens,” the statement, signed by Pac chairperson Patrick Thawale and publicity secretary Gilford Matonga, reads.
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The comment follows the restructuring of Pay as You Earn (Paye) and Value Added Taxes as announced in the national budget presented to Parliament by Finance Minister Joseph Mwanamvekha in the mid-year budget review statement last year.
Effective January 1, 2026, the government revised the Paye structure, raising the tax-free threshold to K170,000 per month.
The development saw some employees having their salaries reduced.
And commenting on the fuel increase which the Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority announced on Tuesday, Pac said the development would trigger an increase in prices of other products.
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“The current fuel price hike, coupled with economic hardships among citizens, could be a trigger to public dissatisfaction and [we], therefore, request the current administration to find balanced solutions for the good of the nation and her people,” it says.
On Tuesday, Mera announced an upward adjustment of fuel, with petrol selling at K6,672 from K4,965 per litre.
Diesel is now selling at K6,687 from K4,985 per litre.
On the Amaryllis Hotel issue, Pac has commended President Peter Mutharika for backing investigations into the matter.
“We commend the leadership for the support of Parliament. The Amaryllis Hotel saga is a huge dent both on previous and current regimes, especially now, when one looks at the huge amounts involved and the speed at which the sale was fast-tracked. Pac commends the Parliament for the open public inquiry.
“Apart from holding leaders accountable, the inquiry raised awareness to citizens on specific details on the matter. We advocate for thorough investigations and those with genuine cases to answer be brought to book. We further expect the law to be equally applied to avoid selective justice,” it says.
The body has also commended the current administration on its swiftness in decision-making.
“Prices of commodities have not been erratic and availability of fuel has improved, coupled with forex price stability at [the] black market. We further take special recognition to the reduction of prices on maize and cement. No doubt, Malawi’s economic front seems to have a better direction,” it says.
“Pac notes bold decisions being made on the political front as well. Noting political undercurrents on some Cabinet positions, the leadership reshuffled the cabinet to secure a political fitness for service delivery,” it says.
Information Minister Shadric Namalomba was yet to respond to our questionnaire by press time.
