PR Society says hate speech leads to political violence
Most local politicians are not practising their freedom of speech but they are cynical exploiters of it with the Public Relations Society of Malawi (PRSM) condemning hate speech ahead of the May 21 2019 Tripartite Elections.
The PR Society is appealing to individuals, political and faith groups to tame their tongues to avoid inciting violence.
The society’s president Lewis Msasa said the current trend of hate speech in the country could fuel intolerance among ethnic, political and religious groups which could breed violence.
“PRSM recommends reflective message development, an aspect of good Public Relations (PR) and communications, to avert utterances that could be a recipe for violence.
“Political parties and religious institutions can only genuinely build their credibility and recruit more members through positive messages that demonstrate respect for others,” said Msasa in the society’s statement.
It continued: “Democrat flourishes where there us an open and free exchange of ideas and mutual respect. Respect should permeate all levels of society for the country to be well-regarded internationally.”
PRSM was official launched on August 4 this year to promote professional PR for national development.
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Very true, some public rally speeches are empty because they are just slanderous and nothing for me as a voter. Attack on genetically and environmentally influenced factors leaves the whole speech empty other than offering alternatives to governance issues. I have lost interest even to listen to other speeches. Recycled politicians are doing it and the new ones are also copying the same. With such speeches really I will not be surprised when others shall fail to campaign in some areas. Bingu left UDF but went to Kapoloma and was well-received because he did not go there with hate speech… Read more »