Nepal’s Parliamentary Hearing Committee put the hearing of Chudamani Kharel, proposed as the country’s ambassador to Malaysia, on hold on Wednesday after lawmakers raised serious questions about him. During the committee session, members cited allegations involving economic irregularities, conflict of interest, fraud, manipulation of public land and ties with manpower businessmen. Lawmakers called for a subcommittee to examine the concerns before the hearing could conclude, and the committee halted the process for some time.
Lawmakers raise questions during hearing
The concerns emerged during the Parliamentary Hearing Committee’s consideration of Kharel’s proposed appointment. Rajiv Khatri, a lawmaker from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party, was among those who raised allegations against the nominee. The issues cited included economic irregularities and possible conflicts of interest, as well as claims of fraud and manipulation of public land.
Lawmakers also questioned Kharel’s alleged connections with manpower businessmen. The allegations were raised as matters requiring attention during the hearing; the available information does not establish them as proven findings. The committee’s decision to pause the process came after members argued that the questions should be addressed before the hearing proceeded to a conclusion.
Committee asked to form subcommittee
Members sought the formation of a subcommittee to examine the concerns surrounding Kharel. Their request meant the hearing would not conclude immediately while the questions remained unresolved. The committee then halted the process for some time, leaving the appointment hearing on hold.
The move followed a discussion in which lawmakers raised several different categories of concern rather than a single issue. These included financial conduct, potential conflicts of interest, allegations of fraud, claims concerning public land and reported links with manpower business interests. The proposed subcommittee was sought as a means of addressing the questions before the committee completed its consideration of the nomination.
Appointment process remains unresolved
Kharel has been proposed for the post of Nepal’s ambassador to Malaysia, but the hearing committee’s pause means the process has not concluded. The committee’s action followed lawmakers’ demand for further examination of the allegations. No conclusion on the claims, or decision clearing or rejecting the nominee, was reported in the information available about Wednesday’s hearing.
The case now turns on how the committee handles the concerns raised by its members and whether it proceeds with the requested subcommittee examination. Until the questions are addressed, Kharel’s parliamentary hearing remains on hold. The committee’s pause is a procedural step in the consideration of his proposed appointment, not a reported final decision on his suitability for the ambassadorial post.
