Opposition Leader Alfred Sant and Labour Whip Joe Mizzi yesterday presented a motion of no-confidence in Parliament against Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett.

The motion stated that:

Following the declaration by Minister Jesmond Mugliett in Parliament on 2 July, whereby he stated that the decision to suspend the termination of employment of the ADT officials who had been found guilty of bribery was taken “collectively”;

Having taken into consideration the press releases issued by the Executive Head of the ADT, as well as the Chairman and present members of the Board, from which it resulted that none of these participated in the decision to retain the officials in question within the employment of the ADT, and that therefore Minister Mugliett had lied to the House when he said that the decision was taken collectively;

Having scrutinised the declarations made by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, where he denied that Minister Mugliett had acted in a manner unbecoming of a minister and therefore rejected his offer of resignation;

Having considered what Dr Gonzi said when he was appointed Prime Minister, that is, that he would adopt a new line of politics, and having considered the line of action taken by him, which ultimately led to the resignation of former Finance Minister John Dalli on 3 July 2004;

This House of Representatives states:

• that the fight against corruption has to be a priority in the government's function in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability and efficiency and the House deplores the fact that this is not taking place;

• that in order for the fight against corruption to be won, the Prime Minister and all the ministers must show their determination to be intolerant towards any form of corruption, and the House deplores the fact that this is not taking place

• that Prime Minister Gonzi failed in his duty when he did not accept the resignation of Minister Mugliett, and did not give a thorough and direct explanation to this House about the behaviour of this minister in the case of corruption at ADT;

And therefore this House of Representatives:

Declares that it has no confidence in Minister Mugliett as minister and as a member of this House.