Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Development, I would realise that government’s move to engage a public relations (PR) firm to publish articles in a magazine which will cost the taxpayer about K295 million is unfortunate, coming at a time when the country is battling a severe cash squeeze.
If I were Hon. Gondwe, I would appreciate that while the move was justified in that it offered the country an opportunity to sell its potential for investment to the global market, the manner in which it was handled raises a lot of questions.
How I wish I were Goodall, because I would realise that at a time when government is facing a looming hunger and struggling to provide essential services such as drugs in hospitals, to spend such a huge amount of money is irresponsible on the part of government considering that the PR move was not a priority.
Being the seasoned economist that I am, I would realise the need for government to spend within its means and adhere to fiscal prudence.
That is, of course, if I were the big shot that is Goodall. Unfortunately, I am not the Finance Minister. n
