The Malawi Chapter of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA-Malawi) has applauded President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika assenting into law the march awaited Access to Information (ATI) Bill after gathering dust for 14 years.
State House Director of Information Bright Molande told the press on Wednesday that President Mutharika has finally signed the much awaited ATI bill to be a law after legislators passed the bill last year.
In a statement made available to faceofMalawi, Misa Malawi President Thom Nkhanje applauded Mutharika.
“The Bill Mutharika has signed reflects the views of Members of Parliament and different stakeholders who painstakingly worked on it for over 13 years. It is also in line with the wishes of many Malawians as reflected in the original draft which followed nation-wide consultations.
“The Bill that Mutharika has assented to, among other things, provides for an independent oversight body to monitor and oversee implementation of the ATI Legislation, provides for whistle blowers protection and safeguards the legislation against laws that limit or restrict access. These are key provisions that underpin a good ATI regime, across the globe,” said Nkhanje.
He added: “The Chapter believes that all stakeholders will join hands in ensuring that the Law is implemented for the benefit of Malawians. We hope that all individuals entrusted with the role of information dissemination will endeavor to dutifully uphold the rule of law.”
