PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE (PAC) PRESS STATEMENT ON BINGU WA MUTHARIKA

PRESS STATEMENT
Issued : 20 April, 2011

The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) would like to condemn the government for its tactics bent on intimidating the international community for expressing its views on Malawi’s political terrain . The recent development of the intended expulsion of the British High Commissioner confirms PAC’s position that the current leadership is not ready to yield to divergent views on issues affecting Malawi.
Given that the government’s tone is uncompromising on political governance , PAC wishes to re-iterate its position that the current regime has lost its direction . Therefore, what the international community has been observing is reflective of the realities on the ground. We are deeply shocked that after all constructive criticisms levelled at government, authorities continue to display undemocratic actions towards various institutions in this country. We find these developments unfortunate and unacceptable as we strive to consolidate our democratic institutions. We call upon Civil Society Organisations to remain united in the promotion and protection of human rights - for our work is for the benefit of the common good. As we pursue our goals, let us refrain from receiving hand-outs which may divert our attentions from real issues.
The arrogance from our authorities remain a cause of concern. Lack of strong alternative voices from other political parties seem to be a contributing factor . We appeal to opposition political parties to organise themselves so that in 2014 Malawians should have better options. PAC is of the view that Malawians should not be bull-dozed to the tune of one particular individual as if change was brought by few individuals. Many Malawians suffered in the process of realising freedoms and rights during the transition. Now, it is surprising that authorities behave as if rights and freedoms are charitable gifts from their hands. PAC would like to remind those in power that the positions they occupy today were also assumed by other intelligent politicians a few years back - but none of the politician has ever owned such positions. It is the will of the people that dictates the agenda of every politician in every democratic dispensation.
We challenge the government’s actions of intimidating civil society and international community as counter – productive and based on false belief that it can manipulate Malawians . We believe that the present generation will not yield to threats which are designed to stifle our democratic tenets . We therefore appeal to the government to desist from acts of intimidation and oppression .
As a faith-based organisation, we believe Malawi is a God fearing country and all Malawians reflect the image of God. Therefore, the acts of oppression and intimidation we observe today directly inflict on the image of God.
We call upon all Malawians to live together peacefully irrespective of their divergent views.

May God Bless Us all.



Rev Mc Donald Kadawati
ACTING CHAIRPERSON, PAC