The Public Affairs Committee (PAC) has entered the debate over President Peter Mutharika’s extended private visit to South Africa, arguing that the government’s limited communication on the matter is fuelling legitimate public concern about leadership and accountability.
In a statement released on 27 October, PAC maintained that while government officials have repeatedly assured the public that the President is in good health, Malawians are entitled to seek clarity over the duration of his stay outside the country and its implications for the conduct of state business.
“With due respect, Malawians have every right to debate the lengthy absence on the current private visit,” the organisation said.
At the centre of PAC’s intervention is a broader question about continuity in governance. The committee has raised concerns over how executive responsibilities are being exercised during the President’s absence and has lent its support to calls for First Vice-President Jane Ansah to assume a more visible leadership role.
PAC noted that in many democracies, governments routinely inform citizens which senior official is entrusted with overseeing state affairs whenever a Head of State is abroad, arguing that such transparency helps sustain public confidence in government institutions.
The committee also welcomed efforts by the Speaker of the National Assembly to establish joint parliamentary committees tasked with strengthening oversight of ministries, departments and agencies.
According to PAC, the initiative represents an important step towards addressing public concerns about transparency and accountability in government.
The statement reflects a growing focus on governance, institutional responsibility and public communication, with PAC urging authorities to provide greater clarity at a time when questions over leadership and accountability continue to attract public attention.
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