UK RE-AFFIRMS COMMITMENT IN FIGHT AGAINST GRAFT IN MW

Lusayo Kanyika 

The British Government has confirmed that it is closely monitoring the Zuneth Sattar corruption case as it re-affirms commitment towards assisting Malawi in its fight against corruption. 

Outgoing British Commissioner David Beer made the stand on Wednesday at British High Commission offices in Lilongwe during Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum jubilee celebrations.

• Beer observed that Malawi can only achieve its developmental goals if the fight against corruption is won.

It was a double celebration as Malawi and Britain did not only celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee, but also paid homage to the Queens 70 years of service to the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

An ecstatic Beer, took the podium and showered praises on Malawi for being steadfast and focused in its role as leader of least developed countries in the world amid tension in the world necessitated by Russias invasion of Ukraine.

While acknowledging the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine tension on global economy, Beer re-affirmed UK's  commitment towards cushioning Malawi from the aftershocks of the battle.

Beer then introduced three building blocks that the British Government will lean on in support of its former colony.

Paramount to Britain is the endorsement of Malawi 2063 blueprint for development. Beer assured the nation that Britain will lend a helping hand to Malawis aspirations of achieving middle-income economic status by 2063.

Another building block spelt out by Beer is support for Malawis most vulnerable population through humanitarian assistance.   

Britain also aspires to compliment governments efforts of fighting corruption.

On this, Beer was quizzed on Britains interest in the infamous corruption scandal involving businessman Zuneth Sattar.

While evading direct reference to the case at hand, Beer re-affirmed Buckingham Palaces commitment towards exposing international corruption espionage through strategies such as asset forfeiture.

On behalf of President Lazarus Chakwera, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nancy Tembo hailed the Britain-Malawi cooperation for sustainable development.

The Queen came to Malawi in 1979 and has been on the throne since 1952.