President Mutharika declares war to tax noncompliance
The
Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has warned that the law shall
take its course on individuals that are running away from paying tax. He said his
government is ready to pursue and track down any individual trying to avoid paying
tax liability, and once found shall face the penalty of the law.
President
Mutharika was speaking at Kamuzu palace in Lilongwe on Wednesday during the
launch of Projects Compendium and National Dialogue on Private Sector
Development.
The
Projects Compendium is a compiled project opportunities available in Malawi
which presents some of the immediate opportunities the Government is offering
to both local and international investors to this country. The compendium was
formed following his directive that the project opportunities available in
Malawi be compiled so that investors are aware of the numerous investment
opportunities Malawi offers.
But
speaking on how his government is strengthening the economy and ensure that all
taxable businesses and individuals are not escaping their required task, Mutharika
said he will not tolerate any person who running from their tax liabilities.
“Let
Malawians pay their taxes,” he said “and let Malawians not take money from
Malawi to hide it outside.”
“From
today I declare war on all Malawians who are evading taxes and who are taking
money out of this country. Your days are numbered!” he underlined
President
Mutharika therefore called on business communities and Malawians to partner
with government and do their roles in sustaining the economy.
“As
an economy let us focus on strategic directions hence priotise and match
actions accordingly. Therefore let the manufacturing sector work beyond the
domestic markets let government pursue the pro-business policies and regulations.
Let the donors fulfil on their commitments let the general public contribute to
the Malawi economy by enhancing productivity and promoting governance and the
private sector takes up the challenges as the engine of growth.”
The
president has promised good economic governance, security, avoid disruptive
policy reversals by review of some unpredictability policies, fair competition
by empowering Competition and Fair Trading Commission to fulfil its role, and make
good Regulatory Environment so
that it is easier and less costly to operate a formal business.
He also said issues of energy, transport infrastructure and access to credit
facilities will be worked out so that there is a very conducive environment for
operating business in Malawi.
President
Mutharika has declared this war few days after Malawi’s Former Budget Director
Paul Mphwiyo, a business man Shiraz Ferreira and Nelson Kauwa were arrested
over tax evasion.
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