Maravi

Matongo advises against defending corruption

Matongo advises against defending corruption
By Florence Bupe
Thu 11 Nov. 2010, 04:00 CAT

PEMBA UPND parliamentarian David Matongo has advised the government against defending corruption in the public service. And Mazabuka Central member of parliament Gary Nkombo has urged information minister Ronnie Shikapwasha to direct his energy toward ensuring that the public media is not used for MMD propaganda instead of worrying about the operations of The Post.

Contributing to a debate arising from Vice-President George Kunda’s budget policy statement for the Public Service Management Division, Matongo said the country’s public service sector was marred by corruption and weak controlling systems.

He cited the Road Development Agency (RDA) as an example of the public sector that had for a long time failed to account for resources but the government could not admit flaws in the system.

“There were many weaknesses in RDA but some top ministers were defending the undefendable because they are not in touch with the public service workers,” he said.

Matongo charged that the weaknesses in the public service were a result of a dysfunctional government.

And contributing to debate on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting policy statement issued by Lieutenant General Shikapwasha, Nkombo wondered why the government was preoccupied with The Post and its news coverage when state controlled print and electronic media were clearly forwarding propaganda of the ruling MMD.

This was after Lt Gen Shikapwasha complained that The Post was promoting selective reportage of the corruption that was going on.

“It’s surprising that the whole government can dwell on one private paper on Bwinjimfumu Road when they are using their private money to get whatever news they carry? Much as there are ethics, I feel if I’m in my private business I can choose who to cover and report as I feel as long as I am in the realms of legality,” said Nkombo.

Meanwhile, Luena member of parliament Charles Milupi called for professionalism in the media and cautioned the ruling MMD against using public media as their mouthpiece.

He observed that the media was a critical tool in the dispensation of democracy.

“The media should learn to separate development from propaganda. Government has turned the public media into propaganda tools for those in the ruling party,” charged Milupi.

Labels: CORRUPTION, DAVID MATONGO, GARY NKOMBO

posted by MrK @ 6:00 PM