A code of ethics as a model for governance and administration was published by the Nationalist Party. Pity that the PN missed the opportunity to implement it when in power. Does the PN expect the Labour Party to follow the same code which the PN itself did not follow? With the PN in opposition, I consider this document a futile and sterile exercise. Who will believe that the PN will follow its own code of ethics when, in the remote future, it will be in government

Political promises made by the PN are not to be trusted, as is well-known. One can recall Eddie and his “weghdi” (promises) for justice in the late eighties. A “weghda” (promise) was the commission to investigate injustices suffered by PN supporters under the MLP. The result was an added insult to injury for the victims. Feelings of betrayal and mistrust still linger on in the PN.

However, what Dr Simon Busutill can and should compile is a transparent and honest governance code of ethics on his own party’s administration, executive members and their spouses. This would be proof for the future of good governance. The code may include some bitter decisions that I am sure the PN owners club would not approve of, such as the following.

A public declaration under oath of the assets, earnings, taxes paid and VAT receipts issued, by the PN executive and their spouses. These are the party’s aristocrats who are not bound in any way to publicly declare the above information like MPs do. Probably that is the reason why they remain incognito. On many occasions they are the speakers on the taxpayers’ money expenditure.

Control by the PN over who writes in the media in its name, so that the party dissociates itself from the hate campaign on the media against those who are critical of the party. This activity besides being uncivil is counterproductive for the party’s Christian Democratic image.

The PN should publicly demonstrate that it goes to the limits of reconciliation when conflicts arise within. It’s a known fact that the PN is still divided between cliques, boot-lickers and rebels. I think Dr Busuttil still has much work to do to unify the party before the next general election.

The party must include a self-scrutinising body that examines and freely criticises, if need be, the party’s activities, press releases, decisions and so on.

Voting for party officials should be by all paid up members (tesserati), if the party wants to be a truly democratic people’s party.  These are supporters who are continuously insulted by their PN which arrogantly does not permit them a decisive say in the running of the party.

The PN opposition is an alternative government. Being so, it must be different from the government. It must clearly prove that it is a clean and honest alternative and not of subtle corruption speculations. I think that the PN has to stop building its electoral campaign based on the PL’s pranks. I feel that voters are fed up with the two main parties pointing fingers at each other when their own offices need a thorough clean-up.

 

Michael Agius

St Paul’s Bay