MISA Malawi concerned over attacks against the media

MISA Malawi concerned over attacks against the media

WINDHOEK, Namibia, 16 October 2015 / PRN Africa / -- MISA Malawi has expressed concern over remarks made by the country's President Peter Mutharika against the local media's reports on his trip to United Nations General Assembly (UNGAS). During a press conference held in the capital Lilongwe on October 8, 2015, following his trip from UNGAS, President Mutharika described the media in Malawi as irresponsible and agents of the opposition for criticizing his trip over the size of his entourage, hiring of a jet and the prevailing level of expenditure incurred in the wake of economic problems prevailing in the country.




The President even asked for an apology over the stories on his trip published and broadcasted by some media houses.




MISA Malawi chapter Chairperson, Thom Khanje said the body is surprised that the president decided to target the media with unreasonable attacks instead of responding to the issues at hand and providing information to Malawians regarding his UN trip.




"Attacks on the media are attacks on democracy and should not be condoned. We appeal to the president to desist from being in the forefront in attacking the media for doing its job. The media has a duty to report and inform Malawians on matters of national importance," he said.




He said the body believes that the president's concerns could easily be addressed by ensuring that government is proactive in disseminating information and enacting the Access to Information Bill and ensure that Malawians have accurate and relevant information to make informed decisions.




Secrecy and lack of information as has been the case with the president's trip only creates a room for speculation and rumor mongering, he said.




He therefore encouraged the president to be transparent and accountable as he discharges his duties because the media too has the duty to hold government accountable by providing the checks and balances on his government.


SOURCE Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)


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