PAC adopts conference recommendations on Chaponda arrest, MBC ending propaganda
The Public Affairs Committee (PAC), a quasi-religious body and governance watchdog, has formally adopted some of the recommendations delegates to 5+1 All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference in Blantyre made to President Peter Mutharika’s administration, including independence of oversight institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
The body has since pledged to engage government on the implementation of the recommendations.
During the conference held from 7th to 8th June, delegates recommended, among other things, that the Executive should stop using public broadcaster Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) as a political tool.
The the religious body has included the recommendation that MBC should put to end its propaganda and parading of traditional leaders.
It has also been recommended that University Act should be reviewed especially statues that govern public universities.
The issue of fired minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Water Development George Chaponda, whose conduct with private company Transglobe was suspicious—according to two reports of commissions of inquiry, one by President Peter Mutharika and another by Parliament—also featured highly during the conference as delegates gave authorities 30 days to charge him.
PAC has adopted that resolution and recommended that Chaponda should be arrested “based on the due process of the law”. The body also wants allcashgate matters should be expeditiously pursued.
The recommendations also include call for serious investigations be instituted into the death of The Polytechnic student Robert Chasowa and ACB senior official David Njauju.
They also recommended establishment of a Public Appointments Commission as well as special financial crimes division of the High Court, and that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) should be reporting to Minister alone and not the Head of State.
Pac Chairperson, Reverend Felix Chingota and Peter Mulomole, Publicity Secretary, said the recommendations delegates made were genuine and that the quasi-religious grouping has adopted them.
In statement made available to Nyasa Times, Chingota and Mulomole noted that the recommendations require actions to resolve them and that Pac will prioritize dialogue with specific timeframe, terms of reference and results as a way of conflict prevention and enhancing social cohesion in Malawi.
The statement follows a meeting Pac Board of governance which includes mother bodies had on 21 June, 2017 in Blantyre.
“That the recommendations from the conference are genuine and require actions in resolving them. We note that soon after the 5+1 All-Inclusive Stakeholders Conference relevant authorities have commented on some of these recommendations.
Chingota said failure by government to implement the recommendations made by the delegates would result in more frustrations for the citizenry.
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arrest Chaponda now.
I think all the organisation and government are crooks. To me nothing changes here. All this People are money seekers
ACB reporting to the minister not the president. I wonder who appoints the minister? I thought the same president? umbuli
PAC is insane. What is the difference between bodies reporting to the President and to the Minister? These bodies should be reporting to Parliament. Parliament is for all Malawians while Ministers and Presidents come from particular parties.
I hope these people will not take this on Kamlepo again. LEAVE KAMLEPO ALONE PLIZ……….
nkofunika azengedwe mlandu for NO BODY IS ABOVE THE LAW here in Malawi.
Nanga PAC Mukuti Chiyani Ndi Wa Jeffrey For Inciting Violence Against Manganya & Mia? Mukufuna Wina Aphedwe Kaye Ndiye Mudzachite Act? Mayi Ameneyu Watitopetsa Big Time. Act On Her Remarks Now! Now! Now! Nayenso Akalowe Mchitokosi Kuyankhula Moyerekedwa Kumuthere. Kaya Ndi Chibwenzi Cha APM Kaya Chaponda Ife Tilibe Nazo Attend!
I don’t support DPP and I don’t know Chaponda that much. But I don’t think some of the recommendations PAC are making are making any sense. Do you really think having ACB and HRC reporting to a Minister will make sense. Are we not complaining that Ministers are even more corrupt than the president? How can ministers authorize their arrests? It is also baffling that the Public Appointments Committee scrutinize all appointments and yet we are complaining of nepotism and bias. I am also worried with the way PAC a quasi religious grouping gives ultimatums and threats. If PAC directs… Read more »
CHAPONDA NAYE AKALOWE.
Chaponda how can he challengingly say he is ready for the arrest. Ambuyakowo akukunamizatu. Dziko si la Amai anu ili. Mxiiiiiiii