TO the accusation that the numbers had been massaged in the mid-year budget review statement, Malawi’s Finance Minister Dr. Ken Lipenga shot back saying: “It’s an insult to the integrity of these hard working men and women in public service.”

That was in February.

But two and a half months later, it's been revealed that the Malawi Revenue Authority had borrowed money from local banks reported in the budget as revenue in an attempt to show that the failed zero deficit budget was working.

Confronted with the facts, Lipenga now says "I responded in the manner that I did because that's how the matter was told to me."

Nice try! But that’s not enough to get him off the hook. Watch this space for complete Viewpoint Thursday.
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©2012 The Maravi Post. Reproduction authorised, with usual acknowledgment