Jappie says Information Bill to be tabled in Malawi Parliament soon

Government has said is committed to working with the media in the social economic development of the country, assuring that the Communications Bill 2015 and Access to Information Bill will see the “doors of Parliament the soonest”.

Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, Japie Mhango made the assurance when he officially opened a day-long Annual General Meeting for Blantyre Press Club in Mangochi on Saturday.

“We shall continue to ensure that the media is free and independent. Government is aware that an independent media is crucial for the development of the country.

“We are working day and night to ensure that the Communications Bill 2015 and Access to Information Bill see the doors of Parliament the soonest. We believe that Access to Information Bill, popularly known as ATI, goes beyond the media because its beneficiaries are the local Malawians,” said Mhango.

He also advised media practitioners to avoid painting a gloomy picture of the country, rather they should be focusing on government’s positive developments.

The government spokesperson, who also promised to work with media around the media, called on media practitioner to be professional and objective when executing their watch dog role in the country.

“Instances where government registers successes as well as challenges, it is important that we work together in informing the nation of the successes but also offer alternative solutions together.

“As the saying goes, divided we fall and united we stand’, let us work together and develop this country. In dicharging your duties, I believe that ethics of journalism shall always be adhered to,” said Mhango.

He then hailed the Blantyre Press Club for holding the AGM, observing that such meetings are part and parcel of governance structures.

“I am reliably informed that Blantyre Press Club has for the past two years and half years, been reaching out to people with disabilities, orphans and the sick. This is a social obligation that other organizations need to emulate. Your involvement in the past tripartite elections is noted with appreciation,” Mhango.

The Club’s first ever AGM was held with support from corporate entities including Telekom Networks Malawi (TNM), Malawi Revenue Authority, Premier Bus Services Limited, FD Communications and Blantyre Water Board, among others.

Earlier on the day, members of the club, drawn from the southern and eastern regions, went to Mangoch district hospital where they cleaned the facility’s premises.