Mutharika speaks out on media freedom in Malawi

President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has assured Journalists across the country that his government will make sure that their freedom is not violated.

Mutharika said this in a statement released on Tuesday May 3, 2016 during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day.

“No democracy can thrive without the existence of a free and responsible media hence the notion that you are the fourth estate after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

“Democracy demands that all institutions remain open and accountable to our people. Therefore, my government will continue to grant the media all necessary freedoms in their professional undertakings,” wrote Mutharika.

He added: “You have played a great role in the growth of our democracy and it is our expectation that you will continue doing so with the responsibility that your profession demands.”

On her part, Minister of Information, Communication and Techonology Patricia Kaliati commended Journalists in the country for providing checks and balances in their daily work.

“We recognise the fundamental roles of media in developing our country through such undertakings as supporting Government in fighting corruption, exposing crime and agenda setting for our progress i.e. breaking the circle of food security, engaging men and boys in the promotion of girls and women, keeping girls in school, reduction of Gender Based Violence and population control.

“We believe that the media can only participate meaningfully in supporting development if they are given press freedom. It is for this reason that Government supports press freedom and joins the media in the country as we commemorate this important day,” she said.

She added: “We believe that the media will celebrate press freedom as a fundamental right that must be exercised with responsibility and professionalism. It is in reflecting where we could have done better that, together, we can make Malawi do better.”

Kaliati further said that the DPP administrations will make sure that no Journalist is arrested for executing his/her duty professionally.

“we hereby reiterate President Professor Mutharika’s commitment that no journalist will be arrested or stopped from professionally doing his or her job during this administration. The State President is a friend of the media and wishes the media to continue serving Malawi with a sense of patriotism, high integrity and the dedication of national duty,” said Kaliati.

In Malawi the day will be celebrated in Mangochi over the weekend.