LILONGWE (MaraviPost)–Public Affairs Committee (PAC) Chairperson, Reverend Felix Chingota is under heavy criticism from a cross section of stakeholders for dragging the once-reputable organisation into political mud with unilateral decisions.
According to PAC regional chapters and impeccable sources privy to Maravi Post on this allegation, indicate that Rev. Chingota has been commenting on political issues without consensus from his colleagues at PAC and also openly offering allegiance to individual political leaders.
The source told the Maravi Post that Chingota’s grandchildren are on fully-fledged scholarships on some institutions under the assistance from other political gurus.
Minutes from all regional chapters of the meetings showed that many members were worried on the reputation of PAC, an organization that helped usher democracy in the country.
These accusations also come at the heels of strong allegations against him of misappropriation of funds, an issue which is being handled by the board.
“We discussed this issue at regional levels and a decision is close to be made that he should be relieved of his duties before he tarnishes the PAC’s image,” disclosed one of the concerned staff at central region programmes office, who refused to be named for fear of reprisal.
Echoing on the same, another official who attended the southern region chapter meeting in Blantyre lamented that the Reverend has completely shut down everyone from offering advice such that his fellow executive committee members are just watching his misguided actions.
“We aren’t happy at all with his conduct therefore if he continue we don’t have option but to ask him to resign or else we will impeach him,” challenges the source.
When contacted on the matter to hear his side of the story, Rev. Chingota refused to comment saying he could not share internal matters to the media.
However, efforts to speak to PAC Executive Director Robert Phiri were fruitless as he referred this reporter to Fr.Mulomore, PAC’s Secretary who said was not in better position to comment on the matter but Reverend Chingota himself.
Public Affairs Committee is one of the powerful religious grouping whose influence on Malawi’s political scene is undisputable which is comprise of Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM), Malawi Councils of Churches (MCC), Evangelical Association of Malawi (EAM), Quadria Association of Malawi (QAM) and Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM).
PAC’s mandate begs from it to remain apolitical while offering solutions and suggestions to authorities at all levels of society.
Apart from fighting for democracy during 1994 elections, PAC was also instrumental in thwarting former president Bakili Muluzi’s infamous third term and open term bids.
