Mutharika hits out at ‘irresponsible’ Malawi media reporting about 7 ministers in Cashgate audit

President Peter Mutharika has hit out at some of the media outlets in the country of reporting fake news, insisting that he is not aware of any ministers involved in the mismanagement of the public funds.

Mutharika: I have no respect for journalists who are dishonest and irresponsible in their reporting

Mutharika had faced demands to axe seven ministers reportedly implicated in the ‘grand corruption’ financial analysis report.

But appearing on independent broadcaster Zodiak Television during “a conversation chat” with Gospel Kadzako, Mutharika accused the dishonest media of publishing repeated false story on rotten ministers, saying they had an agenda of their own.

He said when the story is published inaccurate and when media house is asked to retract, they refuse to retract.

“They just refuse, they don’t care. And they keep giving information sometimes that they know is untrue.

“Like this so called seven ministers it is actually false. They don’t exist, but this paper continues to [report about it,” said Mutharika.

He said that is a good example of “irresponsible” journalism.

President Mutharika did not mention the publication he was referring.

The Malawi leader, however, said he is not against freedom of the press.

“I have never been against the press. By the way my early life I was a journalist. All my time at Dedza (Secondary School) I was a correspondent to the only vernacular paper in Malawi called Msimbi. I was correspondent for that [newspaper] for over six or seven years,” he said.

“So I have great respect for journalists, journalism but what I don’t respect is lack of responsibility on the part of some media,” he said.

During the program, he said there people who bribe media practitioners but denied that he has ever paid journalists “thats why I have bad press.”

Revelations of the K577 billion cashgate came hot on the heels of a forensic audit report by British firm, RSM (formely called Baker Tilly), that established that K24 billion was looted from Capital Hill between April and September 2013 under the administration of Joyce Banda and her People’s Party (PP).

Banda is on record saying “ There must be a stubborn link between the MK577 billion scandal of 2009 and 2012 and the MK20 billion cashgate of 2013.”

Corruption in Malawi is severe, well-known, cuts across many sectors, and is frequently debated and discussed in the media.

Such corruption undermines human rights in multiple ways: a direct defiance of the rule of law and accountability. By unlawfully interfering with resources that should be available to realize fundamental rights such as the rights to health, water, food, and education—either through illegally appropriating public funds for personal wealth or rendering access to services subject to bribes, which are illegal—corruption leads to violations of human rights that may have disastrous consequences.

Observers also note that lack of political will has crippled Malawi’s anti-corruption  bureau, undermining their efforts through political interference and threats.

Follow and Subscribe Nyasa TV :

Sharing is caring!

Follow us in Twitter
5 Comments
newest
oldest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
ndele
ndele
6 years ago

anthu ali kunja kwa dziko lathuli siose amazindikila zina ndi zina, wena ashi zikadali mmadzi nzelu. ndiposo safusitsa olo afuse. eh

Tenzi Mzungu
Tenzi Mzungu
6 years ago

Pro Mathanyula why did JB not prosecute the culprits of this widely speculated 577 billion cash gate? JB hated DPP more than Lucifer. She had two solid years at her disposal. So from now on wards be objective. My take is there is no evidence it was just propaganda and stupid pple like have been convinced.

Prof. Mathanyula
6 years ago

If indeed you are committed to fighting corruption why are you clinging to ACB to be under your influence? Do you think ACB can take the 13 files mentioned in the MK577bn corruption case to court while reporting to you? You think you’re talking to kindergarten kids who can listen to anything you say???? Keep on refusing the truth about your corrupt gaffment you prince of thieves. 2019 is coming uona momwe amachitira a Malawi. ukamufunse Joyce Banda.

Ndaziona
Ndaziona
6 years ago

True Mr President the Malawian Kwacha has greatly stabilized. I remember in August 2017, I sent money through the western union to malawi from the USA and the exchange rate was $1=K671 but i was surprised that when i went to send money home in October the exchange rate had dropped to $1=K668 and this December the rate is at $1=K663. This trully is an indication that the Kwacha is stabiling. Congratulations Mr. President. Keep on doing the good job.

Gucci Grace
Gucci Grace
6 years ago
Reply to  Ndaziona

Money Gram has a different rate ( 701) and its cheaper check it out

Read previous post:
Wanderers fan carts home K1.5m in TNM Zampira promo: Zainabu Kachingwe

With the 2017 TNM Super League season now completed in style, the decade-long sponsor TNM has given out a grand...

Close