The other time in recent days, Goodall Gondwe went about town like some scared and scarred guy, sneaked past the unsuspecting opposition in thick darkness and put pen to paper in a deal that disposed of Malawi Savings Bank (MSB). Why the Finance minister had to do some kangaroo business to get rid of the bank is beyond me. As far as I am concerned, MSB just had to go.
Here is an institution that was no strategic asset to the nation, a bank that was the gravy train for the political elite and those with the connections to abuse. One way or the other, we had to yank this institution off our weary backs. But there was the right way of going about this, which was to do credible consultations, engage Parliament and other stakeholders and work out a smarter and more honourable exit.
The chicanery that Goodall and his boss at State House have used in divesting majority shareholding in the bank has unnecessarily raised the political temperatures and set the stage for vicious battles ahead with the opposition. When their time comes, MCP and PP will, understandably, strike a vicious blow. As they say, once beaten twice, shy. n
