President Lazarus Chakwera has stated that the public reforms report, presented to his office by Vice-President Dr Saulos Klaus Chilima and the Public Sector Systems Review Taskforce, was not intended for public consumption.

According to Chakwera, the reforms report he received was not meant for public debate.

He clarified that it was a reference document for his personal use, allowing him to engage with public institutions and officers who require his guidance on implementing the necessary reforms in their respective areas of responsibility.

Chakwera emphasized that his pursuit of these reforms played a crucial role in the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs making progress in negotiations for an Extended Credit Facility with the International Monetary Fund.

Commenting on the matter Willy Kambwandira Executive Director of the Center for Social Accountability and Transparency (CISAT), expressed his surprise and considering it unusual pointing out that the public sector reforms report was funded by taxpayers’ money, which makes it pertinent for public review and discussion.

On her part Gladys Ganda Chairperson of the Budget and Finance Committee of Parliament, praised President Lazarus Chakwera for granting the committee the authority to scrutinize finance bills before their presentation in parliament.