There has been further delay in implementing the access to information bill which effectively grants the media and other players enhanced freedom to access information. During the 3-day MISA regional conference, Government’s spokesperson, Mark Botomani, said that the government is still working on implementing the bill.
In 2016, parliament passed the access to information bill that would allow Malawians to access information with ease, but the government is yet to implement it. Botomani explained that there are some things that need to be done before implementation.
On the other hand, lawyer for MISA Malawi, Mandala Mambulasa, bemoaned the delay, wondering why government is taking so long, three years after parliament passed the bill. “We are surprised that three years down the line, the law has not taken effect, and we appeal to government to expedite the implementation of the law.”