State House hits back at PAC
State House has described as unfortunate and irresponsible the call by Public Affairs Committee (PAC) that President Bingu Mutharika should not assent to the Local Government Bill which was passed in the recently ended parliament sitting.
In a statement issued by State House signed by Presidential Legal Counsel, Allan Ntata (pictured), says it is not important to prioritise an interest that has already been served by other means.
PAC in pursuant of its mandate as a church based watchdog on public affairs, issued a statement in which it raised a number of issues ranging from forex shortages, fuel shortages, presidential term extension plans, local government polls and education quota system.
But State House has s accused PAC of simply expressing a wholesale of criticism on the Mutharika administration aimed at raising tension in the country.
”This administration wishes to remind PAC that the system of government sanctioned by the Republican Constitution is that of popular representative democracy through universal suffrage and not mindless pluralism.
”As such, the constitution is more under threat when civil society organisations begin to flirt over the majority situation of the democratically elected government and begins to call for unconstitutional wide ranging consultations regarding to issues of administrative policy,” Ntata said in his statement.
The State House accuses PAC of attempting to usurp constitutionally given powers of the National Assembly by trying to sabotage the local government bill by giving it provocative labels and suggesting that it was passed in bad faith.
Ntata further challenged PAC on university quota system pointing out that if Malawians are against the policy, they should better introduce the subject in the National Assembly through their elected MPs if they want their views to be heard.
”PAC’s consternation seems to emanate from their discomfort with the DPP majority in parliament,” reads the five page press statement in part.
The statement further says the consultative process being advocated by PAC overlooks the fact that the Republican Constitution clearly gives the government of the day to formulate policies and implement them for as long as it has the mandate of the people.
Turning to the Presidential tenure, the State House accuses PAC of making an issue on a point that has no substantiation.
”We caution PAC to refrain from making emotionally charged comments on a matter of which their only source of information is unsubstantiated media report. In commenting as such a matter PAC reveals a paediatric mindset that is disturbing for an organ priding itself as a church based watchdog for public affairs.”
State House also alleges that by issuing a statement and commenting on fuel scarcity which has stalled the country’s most crucial operations, PAC seeks to score cheap public support points.
”We note with regard to the fuel issue, PAC is commenting on a matter in a manner designed to incite the public to blame the administration for problems that are not entirely administrative but rather only commercial.
”It is worth noting that PAC have deliberately chosen to ignore the numerous explanations that have been given to the public through various media but instead chose to argue that this government is responsible. We entirely suggest that in the spirit of constructive co-operation it would behove PAC to present to the public a full picture of the situation including government position and explanations on the matter,” State House advises.
Tagged with: Allan Ntata, forex, fuel, Local government elections, PAC, State House
Oh! Lord Have mercy on Malawi. We are heading the wrong direction. May be Sr Nicholas Dausi would have been the better leader because he was with Angwazi but not the person who wants to emulate Angwazi but doesnt know how Angwazi was running the government as such he is busy experimenting. We are shortly going to be the next Zimbabwe.
Let the Civil Society Organizations like PAC give the state needed advice without a slap. These are pillars of our democracy. As a nation we need advice from such a reputable institution. Do not intimidate PAC. The same constitution provides for the rights to participation. Kodi mwayiwala lero?
With due respect to Mr Ntata’s position in the Government I think its fair to say that he is talking from the legal point of view which theoretically is correct. But in real life Malawian MPs do not represent their constituents, they represent their parties. I don’t think most of the MPs that voted for these laws ever consulted their constituents. Pac is just filling the gap in communication that exist between the government and ordinary members of the public. I’m a neautral and I support most of the governments development ambitions but this should not come at the expense of democracy
I met with Bingus subordinate today in Lusaka who suggested that Malawians made a mistake in electing this person president.The likes of Ntata are following suit and they will be swallowed with the wind when Bingu leaves and any sane person should be thinking about those aspects and be professional and neutral
THE TRUE IDENTITY OF AN OPPRESSOR IS THAT HE WILL NEVER TAKE IDEAS FROM OTHER PEOPLE BUT HIS.THE STRONG IS THE ONE WHO FRANKLY OPPOSE WHAT IS WRONG BY THE MEANS THAT HE HAS
The problems with DPP is that just because they have a majority in parliament they think they can just change laws willy-nilly. Democracy is not about doing what ever the party in power likes or wishes in order to get an advantage. Changes must be done in the interest of all citizens. Many changes taking place in parliament right now are being implemented to advance Bingu’s greed. They make absolutely no sense at all. Presidential term extension for example; what benefit is to Malawians? other than the fact that it will allow the fat pigs to get fatter for another two years? It is being forced or should I say shoved down our throats so that Bingu and his stooges can steal more from our coffers. It is a question of how long can “they” swindle and abuse their majority. Just because a party is a majority it does not mean that they can not be challenged on policy. This is why a strong opposition is required. Yes the opposition may not be able to stop the passing of such inane bills. How ever, the least they can do is encourage debate and public awareness as to what is going on in parliament and how such changes will affect every day life of every Malawian. As it stands right now, the members of parliament are eager to get favors from the president therefore debate will be nothing other than songs of praise for Bingu. Which is very sad indeed. One thing Malawians may not realise, is that these bills are and changes being made in parliamnet are weakening our constitution. Very soon there will be no rights for the common man. The police will arrest . search without warrant any citizens who do not belong to DPP. Mark my words. This is a dictatorship in the making!!PAC has every right to voice its opinion. As far I am concerned there is no opposition in Malawi. The wings of opposition were cliped when the government elected leader of the opposition. PAC is our only hope in ” Bingu’s hell” to try and bring to the fore front the effects of what is going on in parliament. Other wise Malawians are in for a rough ride.
I do indeed side with Matako’s sentiment. This is not the time for parliament to come up with draconian laws that impinge on human rights. People like the Mutharikas know fully well when you have a brutal internal security system that draws its strength from legislation crafted in its favour. The result is to flee from the country and live in exile as they did. They must be grateful that they are now back in the country after some gallant men and women put up a stiff opposition to the Banda government. It is sad to note that some people died in the process of fighting for freedom and dismantling of such dreaded legislations. Why should any sane legislator want to take this country back to the dark ages? Are they very short sighted or they just do not mind what would befall them should they fall out of favour with the powers of the day. My greatest worry is that I have noted that over the years, one thing that has stood out is that Malawian leaders both past, present and future are prone to greed and dictatorship. No one would ever willingly leave the highest office of the land. That is why we need a strong system of separation of power in the country. Unfortunately at present, the legislature and judiciary are all subservient to the Executive (Presidency). Who shall then keep the Presidency under check and balance?
This is what makes me applaud PAC for speaking out. It is such voices that can bring awareness to the citizens on matters that concern them. May the gallant men of God continue to discharge their functions without fear and favour. We have no one in the other arms of Government who can be counted upon to speak on our behalf. Those that we can rely upon in parliament are vastly out numbered and their votes can thus not be heard. Who shall speak for us then? PAC, go go go. We shall match with you and are solidly behind you.
Now coming to the Government spokesman, he leaves a lot to be desired. His language is foul and childish and does not suggest he can discuss issues intelligently. Is that the kind of spokesman a rational Government can appoint? By the way, the picture above just shows that someone is a cowboy or gangster or something like that. Was this taken before he got appointed to the spokesman’s job or that is how he dresses when not with his master?