Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) on Thursday in Lilongwe engaged representative and Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and access to information in Africa, on what needs to be included in the access to information bill.
Special Rapporteur and African Commission on Human Rights Representative Pansy Makula said that, they had successful four days tour in Malawi. “The interface with government officials(Minister of information, Commissioners, Members of Parliament, Minister of justice and many others) shows that Malawi government is eagerly waiting for the new Act to be amended. This is so to embrace information flow and reflect the aspirations of all Malawian in as far as knowledge and development is concern”, said Makula.
She also laments that government during campaign period assured general public to have access to information for accountability and transparency purposes. Therefore, government through Ministry of information is in process to amend the bill of 1995 which was introduced in 2004 by MISA Malawi for amendment.
Chairperson of MISA Malawi Thom Khanje said that access to information bill is yet to become a reality since it is at advanced stage. “In Africa access to information bill has been passed by 16 countries and has shown positive fruits considering governance issues in the countries.
Khanje also adds that knowledge is power in governance and the information bill will not only benefit the journalist but country us the whole. Therefore, amending information bill into law will improve the country economically hence enhancing country’s development in all sectors.
The law is expected to be in Parliament for next meet in October.
