Thou shall not insult the President: Minister Mussa urges Malawians to abide by laws

Government has emphasised the need for Malawians to respect laws governing the country as it inches close to the 2019 Tripartite Elections.

Mussa: There is a valid law

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Henry Mussa made the call  at the Central Office of Information in Blantyre during a press briefing aimed at drawing the public attention to section 4 of the Protected Flags, Emblems and Names Act.

“Of late government has noted with concern criticism from some quarters suggesting that those suspected to have insulted the head of state should not be brought to book.

“Some critics have gone further to insinuate that arresting such suspects is politically motivated, unconstitutional and undemocratic,” said Mussa.

Mussa said Malawians should know that until now there is an existing law that prohibits actions, utterances and publication that are calculated to insult, ridicule or demean the head of state of this country.

“Section 4 of the Protected Flags, Emblems and Names Act states that any person who does any act or utters any words or publishes or makes any writing calculated to or liable to insult or ridicule or to show disrespect to or with respect to or with reference to the president the National Flag, the Armorial Ensigns, the Public Seal or any protected emblem or protected likeness shall be liable to a fine of K250 000 and two years imprisonment,” said Mussa.

Mussa said government is surprised that some of the criticism is coming from Members of Parliament and civil society organisations who ordinarily were supposed to know how laws are repealed, modified or challenged.

“If there is worry that it cannot survive the constitutional limitations test under section 44 of the Republican Constitution, whosoever feels infringed may apply to the High Court and have the section interpreted,” he said.

“Therefore, as long as the Act is part of the laws of Malawi, relevant organs of the state are at liberty to invoke the provision of this law whenever necessary and also when a violation has been committed,” Mussa added.

Mussa also highlighted the rule of subjudice which forbids anybody to raise issues that are in court as matter of discussion.

“Government cannot be drawn into discussions on substances of specific cases because some of them are before the courts,” said Mussa.

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Agenda Setting Theory
Agenda Setting Theory
5 years ago

Is there a person in Malawi who deserve to be insulted? DPP Zealots have insulted opposition members and the president has always encouraged them.

Agenda Setting Theory
Agenda Setting Theory
5 years ago

So Kamuzu Banda was right?

Pitala and Zamiya K145 million

Akamapanga zopusa the president should not be spared. Akamatibera misonkho yathu tidzingomuyang’ana? Uyu alipoyu wanyanya ndipo ngwakuba. We expect the old to lead by example. To give advice to the youth. This one is a thief. He is allowing dpp cadets to cause terror.

guy jobo
guy jobo
5 years ago

if someone snatches your money,boy friend,girlfriend or is accusing you of something that you have not done,or what you were expecting has changed or you are angry with someone etc you get mad or umapenga .there are a lot of examples but may not mean you are insane. English words may not exactly mean the same in chichewa otherwise charge Kalindo in chichewa and lets see.

Wiseman
Wiseman
5 years ago

Kodi biggy aja akadali mkati? Mwaonatu, mnzawo wasiya akumva kuwawa mu police cell, iye akukadya ma volosi ku USA

Graham
Graham
5 years ago

Mussa tazingodyani pa 21 May mukuchoka. Filthy bastards. Malamulo opusa a nthawi ya one party system. Its democracy era and these laws needs to be changed. Munthu opanda mano akulakwisa nde tisayankhule?

Njuki
Njuki
5 years ago

It’s tdue that the President need to be respected but I get surprised that during his meetings some of the speakers say absurd things against the opposition and he doesn’t warm them that this is bad instead he remains mute and sometimes even himself laughing to show that is in agreement to what has been said. The opposition reteirates by attacking him. If you want respect from others you should be first to respect others.

Amuna ndife
5 years ago

Draconian laws. Cry my beloved country

kwagwanji
5 years ago

Amwene inu chimene mukunena simukuchiziwa mungophepha chikhulukilo ku mutundu wa Malawi

chimanga
5 years ago

Which Law School did Mussa go to? Alowa mu ladies mmalao molowa mu Gents chifukwa cha phuma ndi mkomwa. Asiileni ma Lawyer zimenezi

Tsano
Tsano
5 years ago
Reply to  chimanga

Koma nanu a Chimanga umbuli umenewu?

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