Government rants at PAC

Government says it has lost confidence in the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) owing to what it termed as the quasi-religious body’s “departure from the very principles of its existence and consistent demonstration of political biases”. 

In a press statement released today, Minister of Information and Communications Technology Nicholas Dausi has blamed PAC for, among others, siding with opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) and People’s Party (PP), citing the call by MCP and PAC for President Peter Mutharika’s resignation which he said was done “in a synchronised manner to whip public anger in preparation of the all-inclusive meeting of PAC”. 

The statement also states that just like MCP leader Lazarus Chakwera, PAC has chosen to ignore positive developments happening in the country. 

“PAC has also chosen to ignore any positive developments, including revival of the economy devastated by Cashgate, in order to make a biased conclusion in their statement,” reads the statement in part in reference to a statement PAC made recently on shortfalls in political and economic governance. 

Some traditional leaders made similar calls where, among others, they said PAC should appreciate what the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) administration has done in uplifting people’s lives at all levels in the country. 

The chiefs’ sentiments also came after similar outbursts by Muntharika and DPP authorities in reaction to the PAC’s critical statement. 

However, in reaction to the calls by the chiefs, PAC spokesperson Father Peter Mulomole in an interview with The Nation yesterday said they will not stop pointing out shortfalls within the government. 

He said: “PAC is not fighting anyone. It is our mandate as an organisation to pinpoint the failures of those in power, including the opposition.” 

As opposed to government accusations, PAC insists it remains open to dialogue.