Looting irks young professionals

The continued looting of  public funds by civil servants at Capital Hill has irked Young Professionals Forum (YPF), who have said this has disheartened taxpayers.

The YPF,  led by Kondwani Kaunda, has since called on government through a statement issued yesterday to demonstrate effective leadership to restore public confidence in its ability to be financially responsible towards its citizens.

Reads the statement in part: “On the contrary, the current system of government and public finance management in Malawi seem to promote the narrow pursuit of individual interests and self-enrichment at the expense of public service and the greater good of the citizens.”

YPF has since implored Malawians to raise a voice against such malpractices to bring the government to account.

The YPF said Malawians are encouraged through various networks such as civil society organisations, professional association, and faith-based organisations to mobilise a national response to this alleged plunder of public resources, and to impress it upon government to demonstrate willingness and ability to address the situation with immediate effect.

The statement further reads: “To this end, YPF has begun a process of collecting signatures from Malawian youths in support of a petition to protest against this alleged conduct by government officials.

“The YPF further calls upon businesses and other taxpayers through the various business associations to explore the possibility of organising a mass taxation boycott by all taxpayers in Malawi if government does not demonstrate willingness and present a viable and credible roadmap to address the situation.”

The YPF said it believes that all Malawians have a moral duty to make a meaningful contribution to the development of the country so that the future generations inherit an enjoyable Malawi.

Police and the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) have made several arrests of civil servants found with millions in their vehicles or home and bank accounts.

The incidents followed the shooting of budget director Paul Mphwiyo, whose name is also being drag into the fraud allegations.