Speaker of the House of Representatives Anglu Farrugia today told The Malta Independent that Minister Joe Mizzi’s appearance in Parliament in a T-shirt was in no way a sign of disrespect to the House but it had occurred because of a family emergency.

Transport and Infrastructure Minister Mizzi has been the subject of controversy since he went to Parliament on Tuesday wearing a blue T-shirt, drawing criticism in sections of the media as well as on the social media. Some interpreted it as a lack of respect.

Dr Farrugia said that Mr Mizzi explained to him that a family emergency had not given him the time to change before going to Parliament, where a vote was to be taken.