Opposition members of Parliament Tuesday took turns to criticise Communications Bill, which government, through Minister of Information Jappie Mhango, tabled in the House.
Malawi Congress Party (MCP) Shadow Minister of Information Ezekiel Ching’oma was the first to respond to the Bill.
He questioned the effectiveness of Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (Macra) in monitoring some operators.
“There are service providers who are robbing the people in this country under the watch of Macra [Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority]. For example, why is it that DSTv is very expensive in Malawi? And compared to all countries where Multi-choice is doing its business? To add to this example Honourable [First Deputy] Speaker, it has to be on record that as poor as we are here in Malawi, we have the most expensive call rates in this part of the region and Macra is just watching,” Ching’oma said.
He then said the Bill needed further scrutiny by Media and Communications Committee of Parliament.
“Let me say that this Bill needs a lot of panel-beating, if it is to address the problems that are being faced in the media industry right now. In this way, I recommend that this bill has to be referred to Media and Communications Committee of parliament for further scrutiny,” Ching’oma said.
People’s Party (PP) spokesperson on Legal Affairs, Ralph Mhone, also said although the amendment was needed, the Bill did not meet his party’s expectations.
“We believe it is an important Bill. Its amendment is long overdue. In fact we wished it came yesterday. Unfortunately what has been brought is not what we expected from the government. We expected the Bill that was to address fundamental challenges that we have in the communication sector in the country,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of independence in the communication sector.
“Let me say the importance of independence is critical. When I last spoke about the independence of ACB [Anti- Corruption Bureau] in this chamber, I was gagged by MBC Radio 2. I was put off-air mid-way in my speech. We cannot compromise on independence. It is critical. This Bill must be referred to a committee of parliament,” Mhone said.
Looking at the trend of contributions from the MPs, which also included one from Nkhotakota North East MP, Martha Lunji, Mhango proposed that the Bill be referred to a committee as proposed by Ching’oma and Mhone.
But when tabling it, Mhango said the Bill was formulated due to rapid changes in the communications sector.
“These changes have challenged and questioned legal frameworks which have rendered them obsolete. Mr. Second Deputy Speaker Sir, the proper response to these changes has been the adoption of a legal and regulatory framework that is capable of adapting to any changes,” Mhango said.
Among others, Mhango said the Bill aims to level the playing field in the sector saying new entrants are expected to be given room to compete with existing players.
Mhango also said in order to service areas that are not economically viable, the bill will establish universal service fund.
“In response to complaints of poor quality service and the high rates paid for services, the bill proposes enhancing the powers of Macra so that communication services are provided in compliance with this Act,” Mhango said.
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