“The Section is threat to freedom of the press in the country. Malawi as a democratic society doesn’t need any law that infringes freedoms that we had fought for,” said Kaliya recently in Mangochi during a two and half day Gender Mainstreaming, Human Rights Based Approach to HIV and AIDS and Advocacy Training for journalists.

Kaliya also Malawi Human Rights Resource Centre (MHRRC) Programme Manage further explained that she has first-hand experience of what journalists go through when they are threatened.

“My husband worked as journalist,” she said.

The human rights activist further said if Malawi is to achieve sound social-economic development to eradicate poverty infringing pain on majority citizens in the country journalists should be free to report on gray areas to enable authorities rectify the issues for the benefit of citizens.

Section 46 gives powers to a cabinet minister to ban a news paper whose content compromises Malawian values.

Following the outcry from various sections of Malawian society including the country’s media gurus on Section 46 Presidential and DPP spokesperson Heatherwick Ntaba said Capital Hill in Lilongwe heard the concerns hence referred the law and others to the Malawi Law Commission (MLC).

However, MLC legal experts say Section 46 and the other laws that were referred to their office for a review and repealing process are still varied hence can be applied in court until resources are identified for the repealing process.

Meanwhile, Kaliya’s prayer for Section 46’s removal and journalists to have freedom to report comes on the heels after alleged reports of threats against media practitioners both working for public and private in the country.

The most recent threats on journalists so far involve some members of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) who barred state controlled but tax payers funded Malawi Broadcasting Corporation (MBC)-TV crew from covering their event accusing the sole national television reporters of bias reporting towards the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) led government.

The matter attracted condemnation from various cross sections of society including MBC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Bright Malopa.

But as if not enough recently President Bingu wa Mutharika's Press Officer Albert Mungomo issued a statement warning that government agents will deal with journalists critical of the President saying as the first citizen of Malawi he deserves to be respected.