The KSU will take its time to analyse the situation and gather information from students prior to taking an official stance on the upcoming spring hunting referendum, it was announced during an assembly today.

The KSU was holding an assembly on the spring hunting referendum, where students were able to voice their opinions and debate the issue.

Speaking with the Malta Independent, KSU Social Policy Coordinator Andrew Muscat believes that out of today’s discussion, student sentiment on the referendum seems to look in favour of abolishment, however stressed that eight people spoke today out of 13,000 students. “What I can say is that this was an open call and people in favour of Spring Hunting were able to come and speak freely. Because of this perception of apathy, we chose to lengthen the process before taking a decision, and this was the first step. There will be opportunities for both sides to give their opinions. A debate in October was held where St Hubert’s Hunters came and spoke. Ultimately, by the end of February, we will take a decision”.

“The KSU is a mini-government body and we encourage everyone to express their opinions without a lot of red tape and obstacles. I have to say I am disappointed that the political parties positions can influence votes. I don’t believe in that sort of politics and believe in politics, where people discuss what is in the interest of the common good”.

The KSU representative hosting the debate explained that two videos will be made available representing both sides of the referendum debate. He also said that an online poll will also be later made and the KSU will then take a decision.

The assembly in the University courtyard saw the majority speakers support the abolishment of Spring Hunting.

Representing the Students Science Society, Lucia Farrugia explained that a survey on social media on Spring Hunting was made for science students. She explained that around 18% of science student responded, with 80% calling for an end of the spring hunting season. She mentioned that some worrying factors were brought out through the survey. She said that some arguments by those supporting the spring hunting season said that they would vote as such due to the stance of the political leaders. “The situation is becoming politicised”.

Other students also mentioned the political parties and hunting. Student Alexander Hili Alexander Hili said that he found a mess when looking at comments in the news and thus took a step back to research the whole situation. He mentioned the Prime Minister’s statement that he would vote in favour of spring hunting, yet “I found a dozen statements of his opinions where he was evasive to questions on the topic, and would not give concrete answers. For once our parties are united, with opposition leader Busuttil stating he would vote to keep spring hunting. Yet in other statements he would say that he loves the environment and animals. This is a contradiction”.

Statements were also made by students, arguing that the hunting lobby was ‘bullying’ politicians. Mr Hili argued that hunters are bullying politicians and Parliament. He said that politicians need to take control of the debate and ensure that no free for all takes place.

Student Brendan Zerafa said that in the USA “We often hear of lobby groups going against citizens, and many-a-time the lobby groups manage to scare congress”. He said that right now Malta is going through the same scenario however should not end up the same way.