MLS wants ACB left alone

The Malawi Law Society (MLS) says it is monitoring events surrounding the on-going investigation of businessperson Zuneth Sattar and has since cautioned against interference in the work of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB).

The lawyers’ body has also reminded its members, in relation to this matter, to execute their job with the highest consideration of standards so that they do not drag the profession into disrepute.

In a statement released yesterday MLS further called on all duty-bearers currently holding legal or political offices or those who previously held the same who may require accounting under the on-going investigation to accord the ACB “full and genuine” cooperation.

“MLS calls upon the bureau to remain true to and consistent with the spirit of the law in performing its functions. Similarly, in whatever capacity it falls before them to contribute to the administration of justice on the subject matter, members of the legal profession are, for the sake of the public interest and the general good which the law primarily seeks to serve, reminded of each member’s duty of candour and the need to conduct legal process in compliance with the highest applicable standards in the manner that does not bring disrepute and opprobrium to or undermine the integrity of the legal profession in the fight against corruption,” further reads the statement signed by MLS president Patrick Mpaka and honorary secretary Chrispin Ngunde.

Last month the businessperson sought the court’s intervention to stop the ACB from cooperating with NCA and in another application he also tried to gag Nation Publications Limited and Times Group from publishing stories about this investigation, but the High Court dismissed the two applications for lack of merit