Amaryllis Scandal: ‘It Is My Duty to Appear before parliamentary committee ’ — AG Mbeta Reaffirms Commitment to PAC

Malawi’s Attorney General, Frank Mbeta, has reaffirmed his readiness to appear before the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC), stressing that it is both his constitutional duty and professional obligation to do so.

Mbeta’s position comes amid growing public scrutiny and social media claims suggesting he was attempting to avoid the committee over the controversial Amaryllis Hotel transaction.

In a formal communication seen by the media, the Attorney General clarified that he is fully prepared to cooperate with the inquiry, provided that lawful procedures are followed.

“The Attorney General is a public office and I am ready to appear before the Committee at any time, as long as lawful and proper procedure is followed,” reads part of his statement.

Procedure, Not Evasion

Mbeta dismissed claims of evasion, explaining that his request to appear at a later stage is grounded in legal and procedural requirements.

As the government’s principal legal advisor, he argued that it is appropriate for him to appear after other key witnesses, allowing his office to respond comprehensively to legal matters arising from earlier testimonies.

He further cited parliamentary standing orders requiring at least seven days’ notice before such an appearance, to ensure adequate preparation.

President Mutharika Backs Transparency

Meanwhile, President Peter Mutharika has publicly thrown his weight behind the ongoing inquiry, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to accountability and the rule of law.

“I have been closely monitoring the ongoing inquiry by the Public Accounts Committee into matters surrounding the procurement of Amaryllis Hotel. I want to reassure all Malawians that my Administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the rule of law is absolute. The fact that this inquiry is taking place is proof of our resolve to let oversight institutions work without interference.

I reiterate my Government’s firm stance in the fight against corruption. This administration is not in office for a feast. Public office is a sacred trust bestowed by the people of Malawi, and any misuse of public resources or influence for personal gain is a serious betrayal of that trust.

The Public Accounts Committee has my full support. As I promised upon assuming office, I will not shield anyone involved in corruption. That promise remains unbroken.”

Amaryllis Hotel Under Scrutiny

At the heart of the matter is the purchase of the Amaryllis Hotel by the Public Service Pension Trust Fund (PSPTF), which acquired the property at a cost of K128.7 billion using pensioners’ funds.

The scale of the investment and the source of financing have heightened public concern, with critics questioning whether adequate due diligence was conducted and whether the transaction represents value for money for Malawi’s pensioners.

Reports suggest that independent valuations placed the hotel’s value at approximately K48 billion, with professional advice cautioning against the investment. Despite this, the purchase proceeded, prompting questions over financial prudence and governance.

Balancing Accountability and Legal Integrity

Mbeta’s stance is widely seen as reinforcing the government’s message of accountability while maintaining respect for legal processes.

His willingness to appear—alongside insistence on proper procedure—signals an effort to ensure that the inquiry is both transparent and legally sound.

The Public Accounts Committee is yet to respond to the Attorney General’s request to reschedule his appearance.