ACB wants Muluzi to explain deposits - The Nation 18 October 2005 - 06:47:38

The ACB has summoned former president Bakili Muluzi to explain why he received K1.4 billion from donor countries, foreign organisations and local private firms, which he deposited into a personal account during his 10-year tenure of office.
According to a letter of notice from ACB director Gustave Kaliwo to Muluzi dated 17th October 2005, Muluzi is requested go to ACB offices in Blantyre on October 24, 2005 at 1200GMT to shed light on the issue.
Muluzi is expected to answer questions and produce all original documents or certified true copies of documents in his possession or under his control in respect of transactions he had with the Republic of China (Taiwan), Libya, the Kingdom of Morocco, Rwanda and some foreign organisations (names withheld).
The letter, which indicates Muluzi pocketed a total of K1,399,191,218.64 between April 1999 and November 2004, says the UDF national chair’s explanations would help the bureau in its investigations into his affairs.
Lawyer David Kanyenda from Sacranie and Gow, Muluzi’s lawyers, confirmed receipt of the notice and said they had forwarded it to their client.
“I can confirm that at around 4.30 pm today we were served with the notice. In the meantime we are getting instructions from our client regarding the conduct of the matter,” Kanyenda said when contacted Monday afternoon.
Muluzi’s spokesperson Sam Mpasu said he was not aware of the development, describing it as government’s ploy to embarrass the former head of state.
Jimmy Wu, a counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Lilongwe, said he was not aware of money Taiwan is alleged to have given Muluzi as an individual.
“All I know is that there is a government-to-government cooperation and the money that comes from the Republic of China is for development programmes in Malawi,” he said, adding that constitutionally people in Taiwan have the right to know how their tax is used.
According to ACB documents, Muluzi is alleged to have banked K46 million and K252 million donated by local firms and unknown sources respectively, while Taiwan and its embassy in Malawi provided close to K700 million. The rest is from other sources.
If Muluzi does not comply with the notice to appear before the bureau, he can be guilty of an offence with a fine of K50,000 and imprisonment for two years, under Section 11 (c) and (d) of the Corrupt Practices Act.