Call for Unbiased and Development-Oriented Reporting by Muslim Journalists
The first ever elective Annual General Meeting for the Association of Muslim Journalists (AMUJO) was held on April 26, 2024 in Blantyre where the Minister of Water and Sanitation Abida Mia was the guest of honor.
Speaking at the function, Abida Mia emphasized the crucial role journalists play in shaping public perception and overseeing national development through their reporting. Mia stressed the importance of dispelling misconceptions about Islam, advocating for peace, and highlighting the contributions of Muslims to the country’s progress and development.
“As Muslim journalists, they have a noble duty to clear out misconceptions and spread the truth about Islam in the country. It has to be known that Muslims are peacekeepers and stakeholders in socio-economic development of the country. Additionally, Muslims have the right to practice their faith like any other citizens of Malawi,” she said.
Mia, however, urged Muslim journalists to be ethical and adhere to laid down regulations governing the media industry in the country, while paying allegiance to Islamic principles and etiquettes.
“The journalists have to be reminded that Islam has all the information on how a person should live on earth, as such they need to observe Islamic principles and respect the country’s laws as a guiding manual so as to thrive in the noble mission they have embarked on,” the Minister said.
“As government, we will make sure to support them and make sure that they have a conducive environment to practice their profession,” she said.
In his remarks, Secretary General of Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) Twaib Lawe underscored the responsibility of journalists in promoting Islam and maintaining peace.
During the meeting, journalists underwent training sessions covering topics such as ethical journalism, harmonizing Islamic principles with media coverage, and addressing global issues like the conflict in Palestine. These sessions aimed to equip journalists with necessary skills to fulfill their roles effectively.
On the following day, April 27, 2024, the journalists held elections and elected Chekaukutu Ndege from Radio Islam as president of the association; Osman Bwanali from One Acre Fund as vice president; Yusuf Daisa from Radio Islam, treasurer; Twaha Chimuka from Mpira TV as vice treasurer; Sellina Siffat Gada of Insight Bulletin as Secretary General with Owings Chawanda as her deputy.
Cassim Aubi from Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) was elected as Publicity Secretary with Shakira Jumah from Radio Islam as his deputy. The following were elected as executive committee members: Yasin Limu, Idrissa Kalisinje, Hajira Halilu and Kassim Kajosolo.
In his acceptance speech, Chekaukutu Ndege pledged the association’s support to all journalists, and emphasized the importance of protecting journalistic integrity while combating misconceptions about Islam.
“We have a lot of strategies to implement, and we are going to work tirelessly to make sure that the rights of journalists are protected in the country,” he said.
“It is also our mandate to clear out all misconceptions about Islam that are usually spread out of ignorance and malice,” he added.
The gathering was organised under the theme, ‘Empowering Muslim Journalists to dispel misconceptions about Islam and bring sanity to the world’.
The meeting was funded by the Darusunnah Foundation, the Muslim Association of Malawi, the National Awqaf SA, the Al-Baraka Charity Trust, and YIP Construction.
