The Labour government still has to work on its promise of meritocracy, according to PL MP Marlene Farrugia, who is “not happy” with the current situation.
In an interview with The Malta Independent, the outspoken government MP, who is the partner of Health Minister Godfrey Farrugia, said that there is always room for improvement and insisted that “the PN’s failure in this sector should not be used as an excuse if this government openly and blatantly fails to be meritocratic.”
Dr Farrugia said that, even if the PL had not made meritocracy its most sacred pledge, it has to strive in that direction. “We have to be really meritocratic and we still have to get there. If there were instances where this government was not meritocratic then I do not agree with what happened.”
The candid MP said that on a scale from one to ten she would give a score of seven to the government after its first year in power. “I give it seven because of all the good initiatives, laws and measures that have been passed or are about to be introduced. I would have given it ten points but I had to deduct three points because things in many different sectors could have been done in a much better way.”
The government should have its own yardstick. “There were a number of issues that were not handled in the best way and we have to acknowledge that things have to be thought through in a much more professional way. We can also not justify our mistakes by saying that the previous administration had also made many mistakes.”
Concerns on IIP put at rest
One such issue was the ‘citizenship-for-sale’ scheme, which has since been approved by the EU. Dr Farrugia told this paper that most reservations she had on the scheme died down after the introduction of a residency clause, because the scheme was no longer an outright sale of passports. Whilst acknowledging that the scheme was not part of the PL’s electoral manifesto, Dr Farrugia insisted that investment schemes rarely are and genuine investment is always welcome.
Another issue is the gas-fired power station and accompanying Floating Storage Unit that will be moored in the middle of Marsaxlokk bay. “No one really wants to have a tanker moored in Marsaxlokk but what choice is there really? We have to look at the story right from the beginning. If PN administrations had kept their word we would not be in this situation today. Until we have a pipeline we need a temporary solution whilst keeping in line with what the people voted for: cheaper tariffs, cleaner air and safety.”
Dr Farrugia insisted that, now that the election has passed, politicians should “genuinely” heed the advice given by experts in the field before coming to a final decision. The MEPA board will decide on the project permits on Monday.
‘I am showing my loyalty by speaking out’
In 2009 Marlene Farrugia supported George Abela in the PL Leadership race but pledged her loyalty to Joseph Muscat when he was elected. But her recent comments on Facebook have drawn harsh criticism from some Labour officials and die-hards, who have even gone as far as questioning her true intentions. But Dr Farrugia insists that by voicing her opinion and criticising where criticism is needed she is actually exercising her loyalty towards the party. “I believe that when I urge the government to keep in line with its promises, I am strengthening its chances to not only lead this country for the next four years, but even for the five years after that, and if possible the five after that.” Dr Farrugia insists that neither the Prime Minister nor top government or PL officials have ever cautioned her on her writings.
No sign of reshuffle
Dr Farrugia was also questioned on the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. Following a meeting at Castille on Tuesday, Dr Farrugia admits that the Prime Minister has not yet given any indication of when the reshuffle will be announced. She had previously complained that the unnecessary wait was affecting the work of Ministers and their staff. “A reshuffle is the PM’s prerogative but I am concerned over the fact that the news that a change in portfolios was broken weeks before. Speculation on the country’s leadership is never a good thing.”
Last week, Dr Farrugia said that a reshuffle is needed “and how!” When asked to elaborate on the comment, she says that there were “cabinet members whose performance could have been much better.” The MP insisted that it would be prudent to name names since the persons in question can be replaced in the coming days.
Godfrey Farrugia should be given more time
Dr Farrugia also insisted that the Health Minister should be given more time to prove himself after spending the first year in office building a solid foundation for the health sector. “Now that this exercise has been completed, in my opinion it would be wiser to give Godfrey Farrugia some more time.”
When asked if the Prime Minister would be making a big mistake if he replaced the Health Minister, Dr Farrugia said that she could not say that. “Maybe the Prime Minister needs Dr Farrugia to lay a strong foundation in another important ministry. It is ultimately up to him.”
When asked if Dr Muscat’s appointment of John Dalli as Health advisor signified a lack of trust in Godfrey Farrugia, the PL MP insisted that this was not the case and Mr Dalli “still has a lot to offer to the country, provided that his behaviour, even in previous roles, has been clean. There is nothing wrong in asking Mr Dalli to lend his expertise for the betterment of this crucial sector.”