Economy Minister Chris Cardona today said he did not involve himself in the process to award a new casino licence.

“My decision was not to involve myself in the process but to halt it,” Dr Cardona said.

It has emerged from a court hearing over the matter that Dr Cardona ordered Privatisation Unit chairman Manuel Camilleri to dissolve a technical committee tasked with granting a new casino license.

Dragonara Gaming is challenging the Privatisation Unit’s decision to name Eden Leisure as the preferred bidder,

Dr Cardona said the technical committee was dissolved due to a conflict of interest.

The Minister said he will not reveal who the person in question is as the court hearing is still ongoing.

Dr Cardona said he does not have any links with Eden group.