The hard truth is that the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has blatantly shown its true colours by grossly misunderstanding the delicate situation involving First Vice President Jane Ansah.
Instead of exercising the critical, balanced judgment expected of a civil society organization that claims to champion Malawi’s democratic ideals, PAC has stooped to a level of recklessness that undermines public trust and foments unnecessary political tension.
It is deeply disappointing and frankly alarming that PAC would make such an irresponsible call for Malawians to rally behind Ansah to serve her term, as if the government has issued any official communication demanding her resignation.
The hard truth is that the government has done absolutely nothing wrong to Ansah, and the entire brouhaha is based on unsubstantiated rumours that have been repeatedly dismissed by the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC).
PAC’s recent statement supporting Ansah’s decision not to resign is not only premature but also dangerously irresponsible.
The hard truth is that in a democracy founded on constitutional order and respect for official processes, it is reckless for any organization to react publicly to mere speculation and social media rumours without waiting for verified information.
The OPC, acting through Chief Secretary Justin Saidi, has categorically denied any request for resignation, labeling the circulating claims as “false, baseless and deliberately misleading.”
Yet, PAC has chosen to disregard this official communication and instead amplified hearsay, thereby eroding the very credibility it should be safeguarding.
It is baffling and disheartening that PAC, once regarded as a beacon of principled advocacy during Malawi’s early 90s democratic struggle, is now reduced to echoing unverified social media chatter.
The hard truth is that this is a sharp departure from the PAC of old, which played a pivotal role in championing Malawians’ voices against oppression and injustice.
Today’s PAC appears to have lost its moral compass and focus, choosing to entangle itself in partisan theatrics instead of upholding its mandate to provide objective oversight and constructive dialogue.
This degeneration calls for an immediate and thorough review of PAC’s leadership and mandate to reclaim the integrity that once made it a credible voice for Malawians.
Furthermore, it is particularly disappointing to observe PAC’s selective engagement with political issues.
The hard truth is that during the Malawi Congress Party (MCP) government under President Lazarus Chakwera, when Malawians genuinely sought avenues to express their grievances and hold the government accountable, PAC remained conspicuously silent.
This inconsistent activism paints a picture of PAC as a partisan tool rather than an independent watchdog.
When the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is in power, PAC suddenly finds its voice and makes noise, but during MCP’s reign, it chooses silence.
This selective activism only serves to entrench divisions and erode public confidence in civil society organizations that claim to be neutral arbiters of democratic discourse.
The implications of PAC’s reckless statements go beyond mere political noise; they threaten to destabilize governance and distract from the real issues facing Malawians.
The hard truth is that by engaging in baseless speculation and public condemnation without evidence, PAC is contributing to unnecessary polarization and confusion.
This not only undermines the office of the First Vice President but also disrespects the official government institutions that have adhered to transparency and constitutional processes throughout this controversy.
Given these grave missteps, the hard truth is that the current PAC executive committee has clearly lost focus and direction.
Their recent behavior is a betrayal of the values that should define civil society leadership — impartiality, responsibility, and respect for due process.
It is therefore imperative to call for the immediate resignation of all PAC executive committee members.
Only through fresh leadership that is committed to restoring PAC’s dignity and credibility can the organization hope to regain the trust of Malawians and play a constructive role in national discourse.
Moreover, the current leadership must embark on a serious reflection and overhaul of PAC’s approach, taking inspiration from the PAC of the early 90s.
Back then, PAC was a formidable force that galvanized Malawians towards democracy and social justice through principled advocacy and unwavering commitment to truth.
The hard truth is that PAC’s transformation into a partisan mouthpiece is a disservice to the legacy of those early champions of democracy.
A comprehensive review of PAC’s constitution, leadership criteria, and operational mandates is urgently needed to prevent further erosion of its credibility.
It is time for PAC to return to its roots — a principled, unbiased, and responsible voice for Malawians.
The hard truth is that Malawi deserves civil society organizations that elevate national discourse, respect constitutional order, and eschew baseless rumours and political partisanship.
Until PAC undertakes this much-needed overhaul, its calls and statements will continue to ring hollow and breed mistrust.
Malawians deserve better, and it is high time PAC delivers on that promise.
The Hard Truth is that PAC needs to wake up and smell the coffee.
The people of Malawi are not fooled by empty statements and desperate attempts to cling to power. It’s time for change, and it’s time for PAC to get on board.
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Email: jonesgadama@gmail.com