Democratic Progressive Party’s Bright Msaka has accused government of using amendments to fuel laws to flout the country’s Public Finance Management (PFM) laws.
He was referring to Section 5 (6) of the Liquid Fuels and Gas (Production and Supply) Amendment Bill, which states: “The Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act shall not apply to Government-to-Government fuel supply arrangement.”
In his response to the bill, Msaka said: “The government is creating a crisis to pass laws that will place them above the law. This will place the Minister above the law and create room for public officers to steal.”
The amendment is expected to operationalise President Lazarus Chakwera’s directive to transition from an open tender system to a government-to-government procurement system.
On his part UDF Spokesperson on the bill Esther Jolobala has also rejected the bill.
Alliance for Democracy (AFORD) Member of Parliament for Mzimba North Yeremia Chihana also quashed the bill, saying government to government fuel deal is unconstitutional.
Chihana said then called of the resignation of President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera of incompetency.