Mutharika assures Information bill to be tabled: Opens Parliament

Malawi President Peter Mutharika on Friday delivered Parliamentary State of Nation address titled ‘Building Resilience for Sustainable Development,’ in which he assured that the Access to Information Bill will be tabled by government.

Mutharika:  Information bill will be tabled
Mutharika: Information bill will be tabled

Media groups in the country expressed grave concern over what they called the government’s contradictory positions on the Access to Information Bill which is yet to be tabled in parliament.

The Lilongwe-based Bwaila Media Club Secretary General, Augustine Mulomole on Thursday described the bill as essential to democracy as it empowers citizens to demand information from public officials and duty bearers.

Mutharika said the sitting of  Parliament will play a very critical role recreating policy framework and urged Parliament to be serious and pass important bills that Malawians are waiting for.

During the address, Mutharika assured Malawians on the tabling of much awaited Access to information bill.

Some of the bills to be tabled, accoridng to President Mutharika,  include the long awaited Access to Information Bill; Communications Bill; the Credit Reference Bureaux Bill; the Land Bill; the Customary Land Bill; and the Payment Systems Bill.

“I am certain that it is in our interest to support and pass these bills because Malawi, our country needs them,” said Mutharika

“Yes, Yes, Government will table the Access to Information bill,” said Mutharika.

Minister of Information Jappie Mhango said the processing of the bill is at a very advanced stage and will be tabled in parliament soon.

“The passing of this bill was part of the promises and priority of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) which was given the mandate to govern and therefore the media and the public should be assured” he said.

The bill is meant to provide right of access to information, establish an independent Public Information Commission as well as promote transparency and accountability in public office.

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kamusombe
kamusombe
8 years ago

that’s great. this bill should be tabled because Malawians are suffering from injustice due to lack of access to information.

zeze
zeze
8 years ago

APM umatha… give malawians wat they want.

Dr Haswel P Bandawe
Dr Haswel P Bandawe
8 years ago

The Bill is so central to the ideal of a government of the people for the people and by the people. This is fundamental to the checks and balances that are needed to ensure transparency in the conduct of public affairs and discharge of duties. It imparts effectiveness to a system of whistle blowing which is a major weapon in combatting corruption and any criminal behaviour on the part of those entrusted with public office. It will encourage open discussion and ownership of public policy. Let’s accomplish this noble task of passing a bill that will turn out to be… Read more »

Mashamase
Mashamase
8 years ago

Akufuna mukhale chete

Mapwiya wa ku Phaloni
Mapwiya wa ku Phaloni
8 years ago

Khaya atonena zoona khaya!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Noxy
8 years ago

Big up Mr President

ben
ben
8 years ago

Econony,Kwacha in shambles we need information on why donors have left us. Malawi kwacha is the next zim dollar get ready for the slide to 5000Kwacha to a dollar within a year

Mathasimo Muhiye
Mathasimo Muhiye
8 years ago

Thats well said Mr. President. Let Malawians learn to stand on their own without relying on donor aid.

Concerned citizen
8 years ago

Trust will be after tabled not now. This is Malawi politics.

CHALO ICHI TCHITEREZI
CHALO ICHI TCHITEREZI
8 years ago

Lets wait and see if it is true otherwise we may have clapped hands hayna

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