MLP acting leader Charles Mangion said Maltese society could not, in its narrow limits, ignore the talents of some of its members because of what they thought or because of their political beliefs.

He was speaking at a commemorative ceremony on Castille Place, Valletta, at the monument to Maltese patriot Manwel Dimech, who died 87 years ago. Dr Mangion said Manwel Dimech had worked tirelessly for the freedom of expression and thought.

These existed in Malta today, he said, going on to ask if Malta always acted on the principle of meritocracy or whether there were occasions when persons who could make a contribution were ignored because of what they thought or because of their political allegiance.

The acting leader described Manwel Dimech as a man committed to educating himself. In today’s globalised world, he added, and as a member of the EU, Malta should stress the need of every person having the opportunity to educate themselves.

Manwel Dimech, Dr Mangion said, was a patriot who a full century ago already believed that the Maltese should be masters of their own destiny. He had contributed to make Malta what it was today.