By John Tewesa

The Human Rights Defenders Coalition (HRDC) has expressed concern over reports that the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) plans to award contracts worth approximately K5.4 billion to three companies, two of which are allegedly owned by serving ministers in the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration.

In a statement released on Tuesday, HRDC said the proposed contracts pose a serious threat to the rule of law and warned that the move reinforces a deeply entrenched culture of state capture—an outcome the coalition says Malawians have consistently rejected.

The coalition noted that it is a matter of public record that MRA previously arrested and prosecuted the owner of one of the companies, Master Security Services, for allegedly forging tax clearance certificates.

HRDC said such an offence strikes at the core of tax administration and the integrity of public finance management.

According to HRDC, even if no laws were technically violated, the circumstances surrounding the proposed contracts create an unavoidable perception of conflict of interest, bias, and undue influence, which ultimately undermines public confidence in the Malawi Revenue Authority.

The coalition has since called for transparency and accountability in the procurement process, urging relevant authorities to act in the public interest and safeguard the integrity of public institutions.