Leaders of a religious grouping, the public affairs committee (PAC) have advised President Joyce Banda and her government to be tolerant to criticism saying that is a vital component in any democracy.

The advice coming through the group’s executive director Robert Phiri follows the condemnation of traditional authority Bvumbwe by both senior government and ruling party officials for openly criticizing the PP leadership for distributing t-shirts at the funeral of late Judge Joseph Manyungwa.

The Chief reportedly went into hiding after received alleged death threats.

In another incident, the President also directly attacked CONGOMA chairperson Voice Mhone for his remarks at the Labour Day commemorations last week in Blantyre.

Mhone had said the government’s economic policies are hurting many people.

But Phiri says tolerance was very key in a democracy.