Mangochi Muslims who confiscated a camera for MBC TV have demanded Malawi Government to lift a ban imposed on Radio Islam over Tipange Dawah programme.
Malawi Muslims Official Website understands that the Muslims told the government during a meeting with Information Minister Moses Kunkuyu.
The meeting which took place on Saturday in Mangochi was aimed at resolving the wrangle which erupted due to failure of MBC TV crew to seek permission from a congregation at Mangochi sub mosque to capture footage.
Tipange Dawah was banned some three years ago due to what it was termed as it was ‘attacking Christians faith’.
But secretary for Mangochi Sub Mosque Cassim Kasinde in an interview wondered with the ban saying “as Muslims we have our own on beliefs and we need to be respected for that.”
“In that programme what was aired was to do with our faith. what we believe in. We can not be forced to say what not our belief is. Therefore by banning the programme it really showed that we are oppressed and can’t be allowed to practice our faith in the country.
“There are several stations in the country that belong to Christians but have you ever heard a Muslims complaining to Malawi Regulatory Authority MACRA for their programming that are not in accordance to the Islamic Teachings? Kasinde queried.
Meanwhile, the Muslims have returned the camera to the owner after keeping it for a week with the minister making an apology on behalf of President Dr Joyce Banda.
Kasinde said they wanted to take advantage of the situation to tell government “Muslims’ concerns” on some of the media related issues.
He also cited inadequate Islamic programmes on MBC Television which is a public broadcaster.
“We had nothing to do with the camera. But only felt it was an opportune time to tell the government some of the issues that we want to be addressed in order to achieve religious co-existence in the country,” he said.
Minister of Information applauded the Muslims for their gesture of returning the camera in the meeting which was also attended by MBC Chief Benson Tembo.
Kunkuyu said he has heard the concern from the Muslims and promised to rectify them.
ANTHU A MWANO A CHIPONGWE KUMAWATERO