DPP betrays media houses: Access to Information Bill referred to Parliament committee

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has betrayed the media in the country by tabling incomplete Access to Information Bill in the National Assembly forcing Parliament to refer the bill to relevant committee of the house.

Minister of Information Communication Technology and Civic Education Patricia Kaliati tabled the bill in the house this morning.

The first to comment on the bill was Malawi Congress Party (MCP) spokesperson on media who punched some inconsistencies, saying some of the issues that have been incorporated in the bill do not favour Malawians.

MCP’ spokesperson said Malawians and the media in general have the right to know how government running the affairs of the country so introducing some monetary issues for the one is seeking information is not right.

He said as MCP feels that the bill is incomplete and need to be referred to relevant committees of the house for redrafting.

The claim was supported by Spokesperson from opposition People’s Party (PP), saying the bill has been bulldozed.

After the two commented on the Bill, Speaker of the National Assembly opened the floor for general debated but it was this time when Leader of the house Dr. George Chaponda stood on point of order asking the Speaker Richard Msowoya to refer the bill to the committee of the house.
Chaponda said government has considered the concerns raised MCP and PP hence the bill should be referred to relevant committee of the house the decision which was unanimously agreed by the house.
Meanwhile it is not known as to when the bill will be brought back in the house for debate.