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Govt issues measured response to PAC’s statement

Minister of Information Moses Kunkuyu has said while government has made progress in improving people’s lives, it will put more effort in further addressing critical challenges the country is facing as pointed out by the Public Affairs Committee (PAC).

However, he argued that recovering the economy is a shared responsibility amongst all stakeholders.

Kunkuyu: We will address the challenges. | Nation

Kunkuyu said this yesterday in a written response to The Nation’s questionnaire on PAC’s statement this week.

He said government shall always remain indebted to the continued guidance by all key stakeholders, including PAC because it knows that services to the public are supposed to drive its agenda.

Said the minister: “It is our considered opinion that turning around the economic trajectory of this country will not only take patience and dedication, but also the spirit of openness, collaboration, and objectivity by all stakeholders, including PAC.”

On Monday, the quasi-religious body met President Lazarus Chakwera in Lilongwe where it expressed disappointment with what it called the President’s inaction on several revelations of alleged corrupt practices and his struggles to heal the economy.

In separate interviews on Tuesday, political analysts Nandin Patel, George Phiri and Wonderful Mkhutche said PAC presented real challenges that Malawians are facing, but cautioned against expecting quick fixes.

Patel, a political scientist who has taught at the University of Malawi and the Catholic University, noted that the never-ending fuel and forex shortages have brought the economy to its knees.

She said: “But it is unrealistic to expect the issues addressed fairly before the September 16 2025 General Elections. One can only hope for some corrective measures.”

On his part, Mkhutche said the election mood will also potentially change the government’s focus to winning back power.

PAC last met President Chakwera on November 28 2023 where it also raised similar concerns and reminded the President on some of the commitments he made to the committee in 2019.

Phiri, a former lecturer at University of Livingstonia, said Malawians elected Chakwera to address issues such as hunger, corruption and poor economy, but action has been slow. According to presidential press secretary Anthony Kasunda, the President during the meeting with PAC reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to addressing the issues raised and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts in driving Malawi’s progress.

“The President also assured PAC that his government remains focused on delivering on its promises and implementing transformative initiatives for the betterment of all Malawians,” said Kasunda.

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