The NGO Board has commended Parliament for passing the NGO Amendment Bill saying that it will bring sanity in the sector.

According to NGO Board Chief Executive Officer Voice Mhone, for so long, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) have been on the forefront questioning government’s accountability but some could not emulate the gesture.

Mhone told YFM Online that having had good collaboration on drafting of the bail is an indication that the Bill will assist in serving the best interest of Malawians.

“It’s very exciting that the Bill has been passed, it has been a long journey and overall as far as we know we have walked together with civil society more especially Council for Non-Governmental Organisations (CONGOMA),” Mhone said.

“We had some differences but we managed to talk to each other and agreed and we are very happy that this Bill has finally seeing the light of the day.”

On her, Deputy Minister of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare Agnes Nkusa-Nkhoma said the ultimate aim of the Bill is to promote transparency and accountability.

She said: “It’s for us and CONGOMA to work hand in hand so that we should see that there is transparency and accountability whatever the NGOs will be undertaking in this country.”

“We need to take charge of these NGOs you know sometimes they come to places you don’t even know what they are doing, and most of them flock to one area instead of concentrating to another area.”

But in a letter addressed to Attorney General, lawyers representing the NGOs who sought the court order Wesley Mwafulirwa has cautioned they will drag the House to court.

Reads the letter in part: “My clients remain available for any discussions with your office. However, they demand that the court order must be obeyed pending any discussions.”

“If the court order is not obeyed and the said Bill is tabled or debated in Parliament, our instructions are to move the court for contempt of court against any contemnors.”

Mhone has however declined to comment on passing of the Bill whilst some organisations sought court order on the same saying the is being handled by AG.