Promises of transparency and inclusion for everyone have not been kept by some in government and attacks on anyone who criticises the government are rampant, PL MP Marlene Farrugia told The Malta Independent yesterday.
"Party extremists attack all those who criticise government, calling them Nationalist supporters and all sorts," she said, on the same day that she herself was at the wrong end of strong criticism following posts she uploaded on her Facebook page.
"I believe in the Labour movement which our election was based on; however it is something that needs to be worked on and doesn't just happen on its own".
Her outburst on the social media came a day after the Prime Minister was forced to dismiss Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia after the latter failed to hand in the requested resignation following the publication of an inquiry into the shooting incident the minister's driver had been involved in.
Dr Farrugia yesterday posted on Facebook, "I publicly suggest that the Labour Movement calls for an Extraordinary General Conference early next year to address the fast deteriorating situation".
Contacted by The Malta Independent to elaborate, Dr Farrugia said that the extraordinary conference must address the attitude of many people within the party, the way party members attack everyone who criticises them. "Where is Labour Deputy Leader Toni Abela in all of this, why aren't these extremists being stopped?"
Dr Farrugia's request however has fallen on deaf ears, as the Labour Party has no intention of organising an extraordinary conference. In a terse reply to this newspaper, the Labour Party communications officer said that the normal general conference will be held, as usual, in January.
"When I used to meet people during the campaign", Dr Farrugia said, "I used to tell them that things are going to change, but this has not happened yet. I can take the insults people throw at me, and I am not saying this because of attacks on me but rather because this is not in the spirit of the movement".
"We need a conference to see where we will head as a movement, or do we just want to head to the extreme that kept us in opposition for 25 years?"
The PL MP feels that at times the government treats people "in a certain way"and this gives a bad example to party members, who in turn feel that they should act in the same way.
"As a matter of fact I don't think the phrase 'Malta Taghna Lkoll' was used during the budget, and this phrase represents the entire movement".
She said that in the police force and the armed forces, people are not being promoted on merit, but rather through their connections and nepotism.
Kicking a man while he is down
Turning to the dismissal of Manuel Mallia from the post of Minister, she questioned the Office of the Prime Minister's involvement in the whole issue. "Kurt Farrugia doesn't do anything without being given the ok by the Prime Minister," she said. Kurt Farrugia issued the statement which contained inaccuracies on the incident involving the Minister's driver.
"I am not defending Manuel Mallia; in fact he should have resigned as soon as the story broke until the investigation was concluded. My point is that justice should be equal for everyone and should not treat certain people differently. If Justice isn't equal for everyone then it is an injustice".
But she expressed dismay that on Facebook a number of people, including "party extremists"are kickingDr Malliawhen he is down."When someone is broken and lying on the ground, should you keep on insulting him?"
"Without turning the party around, people will truly believe that they don't have a say or would lose interest all together. I don't want this to happen. I want a healthy debate at all times, to learn from each other and I expect the Prime Minister to lead us there".
She wrote about this in another Facebook post, saying "The Labour Movement is showing signs of deep cracks as Hard Line 'Labourites' are hurling all sorts of insults and threats at other moderate Labourites or ex-Nationalists. They want us out. None of us are left in Cabinet, except maybe the PM himself. The Party itself is doing nothing to stop the fragmentation.This might be the beginning of the end of The Labour Movement".
Facebook arguments
Dr Farrugia's comments did not go unnoticed among Labour supporters, with some people suggesting that Dr Farrugia should be ignored and not given attention, using phrases like "block her and let that be that".
One post said "why doesn't she pick up and go with them, this piece of thrash," while another said,
"When will this piece of rubbish that is in our party go?"
In response Dr Farrugia said, "People calm down, you have insulted me enough however I forgive you don't worry. I wish you a good day. Thank you for participating in the discussion. 'Malta Taghna Lkoll'".
Labour Party response
Questions were sent to the Labour Party on the PL MP's call for an extraordinary general conference, asking whether this would be held and if not, what steps would need to be taken to put this request by a Labour MP in motion.
The following reply was received: "The Labour Annual General Conference will start as usual in January".