Cabinet changes name of revenue appeals tribunal bill

Cabinet has re-named the revenue appeals tribunal bill as tax appeals tribunal bill.

This follows a Cabinet meeting held at State House today and chaired by President Edgar Lungu.

Chief Government Spokesperson Chishimba Kambwili told journalists at State House today shortly after the Cabinet meeting that the tax appeals tribunal bill has since been approves.

Mr. Kambwili, who is also Information and Broadcasting Services Minister, said the decision to change the name of the bill was to ensure accurate description of the tribunal and to enhance its operational efficiency.

He disclosed that the tax appeals tribunal bill will now be tabled in parliament for enactment.

Meanwhile, Mr. Kambwili further disclosed that cabinet has deferred the approval of new guidelines on the sale of livestock breeding to farmers to allow for extensive consultations with relevant ministries.

He said the guidelines would lead to the establishment of a policy designated to improve livestock production in Zambia.

He pointed out that Zambia’s livestock potential has remained underdeveloped due to lack of policy despite her huge potential.

Mr. Kambwili also said Cabinet discussed matters on security but he could not divulge the information because such cannot be communicated to neither the media nor the public.

“Cabinet discussed three issues namely the tax appeals tribunal bill, deferred the new guidelines on the sale of livestock breeding and security matters. As you might be aware, security matters can’t be communicated to the public,” he said.

On the Access to Information Bill, Mr. Kambwili, urged members of the general public to stop panicking because the bill in question has now been submitted to the Attorney General for clearance.

Mr. Kambwili said once the bill is enacted by parliament, journalists and the public will be free to access information but not state secrets bordering on insecurity of the nation.

And Mr. Kambwili has taken a swipe at some people leaking government information to opposition UPND leader, Hakainde Hichilema who claimed that he controls the security wings particularly the Zambia Intelligence Services.

He commended President Lungu for directing the Zambia Police Service to get to the bottom of the claim and thoroughly investigate Mr. Hichilema.

“For goodness’ sake, why should people leak information because government is determined to make sure the media operates freely,” he said.

He has warned the Zambia Police Service including civil servants against leaking classified information or documents to the public.

The minister said the new administration of President Lungu will seal off all the leakages which were allegedly rampant during late President Michael Sata’s three-year regime.

And speaking at the same occasion, President Lungu’s Special Assistant for Press and Public Relations Amos Chanda said it was a felony for anyone to issue unauthorized document or statements from State House or any other government ministry.