One of the religious bodies in the country Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has attacked government for not explaining to Malawians why President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika is taking long in the United States of America while other leaders have returned.
PAC’s sentiment comes amid rumours hovering in the social media that President Mutharika is ill and that he has been admitted at one of the hospitals New York.
Speaking in an interview with the press after PAC Board meeting in Blantyre, Father Peter Mulomole who is also the body’s spokesperson said government silence on Mutharika is not health for the country.
Mulomole said members expressed displeasure with the culture of secrecy which seems to be gaining ground in the country arguing that in democratic dispensation information is key.
“This is not new, I mean right from 1964 or 66 we haven’t been very open on status of head of state. We feel that we should not disclose the situation of elders. But in a multiparty democracy, I think the environment should be different. People should know. I think there should be mindset change. He is a public figure, therefore, as a public figure people have a right to know,” he said.
Mulomole further said the executive owes Malawians an explanation on where their leader is and not keep them guessing like little children saying leaving a vacuum has far reaching consequences.
Earlier this week, Minister of Information Malisoni Ndau trashed rumours that President Mutharika is critically ill, saying the rumours are untrue.
Ndau said Mutharika is in USA fulfill some of his official duties that he failed to accomplish when the United Nation General Assembly meeting was in session.
Meanwhile it is not known as to when President Mutharika will return home.
