We will press on

For every society to enjoy and fully reap the benefits of democratic governance, a vibrant media is crucial to the fulfilment of such aspirations.

Just as good governance is key in any democratic dispensation, we need not over emphasise the important watchdog role that the media plays in such systems.

We, therefore, would want to point out from the outset that as the largest media group in the land, our sole aim is to serve the interests of the public and we are committed to carrying out our noble task diligently.

Thus, even in the face of interference and intimidation from the ruling elite using state machinations, we shall press on, for the sake of ordinary citizens, to ensure that there is good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in Malawi.

We will not, even for a second, shy away from holding to account those wielding power, which, by the way, was bestowed upon them by Malawians to govern on their behalf and make their lives better and not pile more misery upon them.

We realise just how important it is for every law abiding citizen to fulfil their tax obligations and as the largest media group in the land, we shall always strive to ensure that we play our role in meeting that obligation, no matter how little or how long it takes.

We, are, however perplexed by the acts of the country’s tax collector to seal off premises of Times Group, not once but twice, when there are equally more companies, including state owned that are owing the tax collector huge sums of money, which would take us the whole day to count.

Is it not ideal to let the company continue with its operations so that, at the end of the day, it gets to generate income, a huge chunk of which can go towards compensating the tax collector for the tax bill?

We smell a rat and the reason is simple.

While other taxpayers are allowed to negotiate and agree on payment plans, in accordance with the law, that luxury is not extended to us because of who we are and what we do.

And of course, they are others such as Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) that owes MRA huge sums of money and they have the luxury of even asking Parliament that it be written off.

We therefore want to pose the following questions: Why are treated differently? Are we not Malawians?

We are law abiding and we will never abrogate our responsibility to pay tax but all we ask is that we should be treated fairly and justly in our own country.

This is why we are forced to read more into the closures than what meets the eye.

Be that as it may, let it be known to all and sundry that we have been a part and parcel of Malawi’s media history and that is not going to change anytime soon. Regardless of the setbacks and intimidation, our promise to Malawians is that we will press on.