Times Group has reiterated that it will always serve the interest of the public while strengthening the democratic principles with the main responsibility being scrutinising how public institutions, including the cabinet, function.
The company’s Editor-in-Chief George Kasakula cited cabinet assessment as one of the company’s initiatives that aims at validating the policies and actions of those in power.
“We do not need a scientific study to form an opinion about our own government. The cabinet assessment is done through observation and comparing what the ministries promise to achieve through the policies that are in place,” he said.
The government, through Ministry of Information, has dismissed the assessment saying it lacked objectivity although the assessment has been commended by a number of stakeholders for its role in promoting good governance.
In an interview yesterday, Minister of Information Jappie Mhango referred to the statement saying his opinions are contained in the statement and cannot speak on his own statement.
In the statement, Mhango said the government sympathises with some quarters of the media for attempting what he called complex task of assessing cabinet without being qualified with any proper tools, methodology and expertise.
“However, government hereby categorically states that anyone who wishes to assess cabinet must always strive for objectivity. A subjective assessment that blindly draws from social media is very dangerous opinion making for the people of Malawi. This tradition can mislead both the government and the people into making wrong decisions.
“The recent assessment for instance was a blind opinion poll which remains scientifically and statistically questionable. For instance, it did not indicate the methodology used and what questions were asked. We also doubt if each eminent cabinet member was assessed by any qualified experts of their relevant field,” the statement reads.
The statement says government would like to encourage the media to strengthen their capacities with appropriate expertise and methodologies necessary for doing this kind of specialised work.
“We also kindly advise the media to note that our present government has set performance targets and contracts signed between each minister and the Head of State. The State President, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, has initiated and established this professional system of assessing cabinet members to set an example to us all.”
Asked whether government also used scientific methodology when coming up with performance targets for the ministers, Mhango said the Office of the President and Cabinet is better placed to explain.
“Ask the Chief Secretary to the government. He is in a position to tell you that,” Mhango said.
However, the Minister says the government remains a trusted and responsible institution that values the feelings, views, ideas and wisdom of the people.
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