PAC Disaowns Matonga’s Remarks, Calls for Neutrality in Public Affairs

Senior members of the Public Affairs Committee (PAC) have distanced the organisation from recent remarks made by its spokesperson, Gilford Matonga, stressing that his comments were personal and do not represent the official position of the committee.

The clarification follows an interview Matonga granted to Zodiak Online in which he called on President Peter Mutharika to suspend senior government officials suspected of corruption until they are cleared by the courts.

…..Personal Opinion, Not PAC Policy

Speaking in an exclusive interview, PAC executives said no formal resolution had been adopted to support such a position.

“While PAC supports accountability and integrity in public office, the remarks made by Matonga were his personal sentiments and were not endorsed by the committee,” the statement reads.

Sources within the organisation say some members fear the comments risk creating the perception that PAC is politically aligned, potentially undermining its standing as a neutral, faith-based watchdog.

….Call for Withdrawal and Resignation

Members have since asked Matonga to withdraw the remarks and consider stepping down from his role as spokesperson for presenting personal views as those of the institution.

A senior cleric, speaking on condition of anonymity, said PAC’s credibility rests on collective decision-making.

“PAC’s authority comes from its moral neutrality. Any statement from the organisation must follow broad consultation and collective agreement, not individual impulse,” he said.

The committee also reaffirmed its commitment to due process and the presumption of innocence — principles equally upheld by the Malawi Law Society.

“Our mission is to guide the nation with fairness, wisdom and unity, not to inflame political tensions,” a PAC executive added.

“This requires discipline in how we speak and who speaks on behalf of the organisation.”