MPs bay for special Medf loans

By Pemphero Malimba

Some members of Parliament (MPs) have requested the Malawi Enterprise Development Fund (Medf) to consider establishing a special loan facility for lawmakers.

The MPs fall under the Parliamentary Committee on Social and Community Affairs.

The lawmakers made the request during an engagement with Medf officials on Thursday.

They believe that the special loan facility would lessen political pressure they face in their day-to-day operations.

“On the question raised by Kasungu Municipality MP about a facility for MPs, perhaps we could look at it as a point of consideration of something that could help lessen political pressure,” the committee’s vice chairperson Maureen Namwali said in her closing remarks during the meeting.

But Medf chief executive officer Kayisi Sadala said the fund already has other facilities which MPs can benefit from.

“There are no special packages for politicians. What we do is we look at everybody as a Malawian—so [it does not matter] whether somebody is a politician or a chief. What is required is that he or she should be able to meet the requirements of the institution to get a loan. We do not look at where someone comes from or what political party he belongs to and things like that,” Kaisi said.

Meanwhile, National Anti-Corruption Alliance Chairperson Michael Kaiyatsa has said the request is unjustifiable.

“There is no compelling justification for creating a special loan facility specifically for MPs. MPs already have access to various financial facilities by virtue of their positions,” Kaiyatsa said.