Macra faulted for interference with Chilima live TV broadcast: Malawi veep speech ‘nothing treasonous’
The Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) has been faulted for stopping private broadcasters from beaming live an address by the country’s estranged Vice-President Saulos Chilima.
Macra interfered with Times Media, Zodiak Broadcasting Station and Luntha Television against broadcasting the speech by Chilima and there was loss of television signals during the live address.
Legal experts have said Macra violated Section 36 of the Constitution which guarantees the media “the right to report and publish freely, within Malawi and abroad, and to be accorded the fullest possible facilities for access to public information.”
In its editorial comment on Tuesday April 28, 2020 , the leading daily newspaper The Nation said Macra – which is led by Godfrey Itaye – should act as a the regulator it is supposed t be and serve the best interest of Malawians to whom the institution is accountable .
“It [Macra] should desist from being used as a political weapon to thwart alternative views. The institution is not anybody’s political or personal estate – it is a public entity,” reads the comment in part.
The paper’s editorial also reminded people holding public offices that they do so “on trust” as stated in Section 12 (ii) of the Constitution, hence they “shall only exercise such power to the extent of their lawful authority and in accordance with their responsibilities to the people of Malawi.”
University of Malawi dean of law Sunduzwayo Madise also said in quotes reported by the paper that Macra and other public institutions should rise above petty partisan politicking, saying as a regulator “they are abusing their powers.”
In his address, the vice-president only outlined facts on critical issues affecting the country, the paper pointed out.
“There was nothing treasonous, seditious or obscene in the address. Thus, one tends to wonder what the fuss was all about and the proverb ‘An old woman is always uneasy when dry bones are mentioned’ quickly comes to mind,” reads the editorial.
Chilima has dared President Peter Mutharika to demonstrate leadership in the fight against the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic bringing on board all stakeholders to be part of an inclusive national response.
In a 10-paged address titled Remarks by the Right Honourable State Vice- President of the Republic of Malawi on the National Situation and Response to Covid-19, he said to win the fight against the pandemic it is important that the response should be owned by the nation.
The Vice-President, who fell out with President Peter Mutharika and quit the governing Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in June 2018 to form UTM Party and challenged his political mentor in the disputed May 21 2019 presidential election, is also set to be on the presidential ballot paper during the forthcoming fresh presidential polls.
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Well done MACRA. We are fed up of this embicile. Let Chilima shut his rotten mouth
Was he delegated by his boss? No. Was he speaking as a utm chairman? Yes
Uzitha ufumu wa china Nebuchadnezzar ndiye DPP pali chiani, it’s just a matter of time.God is great always.The one and only who knows the blue print of politics and its future leaders. Thank you Lord.
Nyekhweism
Bravo MACRA. Do it again when this baby chilima shall open his loud mouth again to speak in the name of VP as long as he is not delegated by the President.
But give him airspace if he wants to speak as a UTM leader. Simple!!!!
He is STATE VICE PRESIDENT and MACRA is for ALL malawians and not just for old NTCHONA and his dirty party.
@Mangochi
Vice prsident sagwila ntchito ngat sanatumidwe coz kulibe JD ya Vice president.ask Chilima he knows that very well.apa amalankhula ngat UTM president
Is it Macras fault Nyani anagwetsa switch??Plus Chilima was speaking mbwelera anyway.
Macra will not stop, everybody knows that. It has masters to serve. Until you take them to Court for redress, they will continue on the perilous terrain. No more talk, broadcasters must come together and drag Macra to Court. Simple.
It was good n perfect that he was not aired. He is a veep on paper but on the groud he is a traitor to the very government he was supposed to serve.
Why is it that every time government come up with a measure he is quick to find problem with it.
His ultimate intention is to bring the government on its knees so that. He is supporting hrdc in its quest to thwart each and every government effort.
His national adress was nothing more than a political tool to further his own agenda
Now Malawi is becoming DPP estate.But don’t forget one is one day.
Yes, so what
their days r numbered
One day is one day but not today. APM pachiongolero
Chilima’s speech was treasonous