Misa urge Malawians to demand answers on Information bill

Media watchdog Misa-Malawi has urged Malawians to rise up and demand answers from government on its failure to table the Access to Information bill in parliament.

President of Namisa Thom Khanje on Thursday cast doubt the sincerity of the cabinet to send the bill to the cabinet’s legal committee, saying the government has never been committed in ensuring that the bill is brought into parliament.

“The bill went through so many stages and scrutiny before it was sent to cabinet. It is surprising that a cabinet has sent the bill to the same cabinet,” said Khanje.

Khanje’s comment follow revelation by Information Minister Jappie Mhango who said the bill would not be tabled in this seating of parliament because the cabinet has noted some “some inconsistencies in the bill” that should e ironed out before it is tabled in parliament.

Mhango, just three weeks ago, clashed with Leader of the House Francis Kasaila who told the press that the bill would not be tabled in parliament but Mhango issued a strong statement contradicting his cabinet colleague insinuating Kasaila was lying.

Khanje said it was now up to Malawians to press for answers from the government they ushered into power.

“From the reports, the President did not even read the bill. There has never been any commitment from this government. They don’t want it enacted,” said Khanje on Zodiak radio.

The Democratic Progressive Party campaigned on Access to information Bill, among other issues.

Khanje said the bill is aimed at preventing issues such as cashgate, mismanagement of public resources among other key issues.

“They don’t want people to know what they are doing;” said Khanje.

Minister Mhango said cabinet has not yet finished at the bill.

“Cabinet has not some inconsistencies in the bill and has since sent it to the cabinet legal committee for further scrutiny,” said Mhango.