Malaysian High Commission Responds To Illegal Wood Trading Allegations
Zambia’s High Commission in Malaysia has denied allegations that politically exposed persons are connected to the alleged illegal trading of US$2.15 million worth of wood.
The statement follows reports in the Malaysian press that a consignment of Zambian timber has been seized by customs authorities.
In December 2019 the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) released a report on the ‘Mukula Cartel’. The report alleged that several government bodies and high-ranking individuals had been exploiting the rare Mukula tree to secure an estimated US$7.5 million in bribes and informal fees annually. It contained accusations that President Lungu granted Mukula permits to chiefs in exchange for votes in the 2016 elections, as well as to a Chinese trader who made a US$40,000 donation to his campaign.
The report contained allegations that those involved in the illegal trade of Mukula also include Tasila Lungu, Jean Kapata, and Given Lubinda. However, the trio say they were not given the opportunity to respond to the story or to verify the facts.
Tasila Lungu, daughter of President Lungu, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources Jean Kapata and the Minister of Justice Given Lubinda are suing the EIA and Diggers on grounds of defamation. The trio have requested an interim and permanent injunction preventing the organisations from publishing similar libellous content relating to the matter, as well as damages.
Commenting on the lawsuit the EIA previously wrote on Twitter “EIA stands by our report & w/ @DiggersOfNews in support of the right of journalists everywhere to conduct their job without fear of persecution. We encourage Zambian government officials to focus efforts on ending the illegal trade of endangered #mukula.”
News Diggers and the EIA have since stated that they intend to submit a plea in the defence of justification and fair comment on a matter of public interest as part of their defence. They have also opposed the order of an interim injunction.
PF Media Director Sunday Chanda has dismissed the report as treasonous, stating that the “report is not worthy of any action from the PF administration". President Lungu labelled it fake news.
