Zodiak hosts Mutharika in straight talk on issues affecting Malawi 

Privately-owned Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) recently featured President Peter Mutharika in a special program which was aired on both radio and television seeking clarification on some issues affecting the country.

This was the first time for a private media organization to be given an opportunity to interact with the Head of State.

ZBS managing director Gospel Kazako said the media house, which runs a radio and television station, was pleased to be allowed to interview President Mutharika.

“We believe that there should be an interaction between the governors and the governed hence the initiative and we believe that all must be given space to be heard if we are to create an informed nation,” Kazako,  who conducted the interview, said.

Kazako also called for improved media-government relations.

“We also believe that journalism is not violence but a mechanism to obtain information that can assist to demand transparency and accountability from those in power”.

The ZBS boss made the program more of a chat and with meaning conversations as the President looked relaxed and comfortable despite probing questions fired at him.

Among others,  the program tackled issues to do with tthe Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) against a general low perception on the graft-busting body’s ability to fight corruption in the country with with the donor community and civil society organisations already expressing serious concerns..

The leadership at ACB  confessed that the bureau had lost public confidence and that the public mistrust in the bureau was well-deserved due to its shortcomings and weaknesses.

Several commentators have expressed concern suggesting that the graft-busting body “is morally compromised” and its operations were no longer relevant to the society.

Mutharika mainted his vow to fight corruption and ensure that there is no sacred cows.

In response to other questions, President Mutharika appealed for “patience” and understanding as his government is working towards finding solutions to problems bedevilling  the country.