Competitiveness Minister Manuel Mallia does not see any conflict of interest in having declared more than €1 million in bonds and the new portfolio that he has been given.

Last week, The Malta Independent reported that in his declaration of assets, Minister Mallia had declared a total of €1,073,199 in local and foreign bonds as well as €185,167 in BOV money markets.

Replying to questions this morning, Minister Mallia said there is no conflict of interest because the bonds he holds are in government and bonds bought by BOV on his behalf.

Asked whether he was looking into the possibility of re-employing Silvio Scerri as part of his secretariat, Dr Mallia said since taking office on Friday he has not looked into the appointment of his closest aides.

Silvio Scerri lost his position when Dr Mallia was sacked, and was seen by many as being an influential figure in the secretariat, although linked with a number of controversies during Dr Mallia's term in office. Soon after being sworn-in on Friday, Minister Mallia had said he was considering appointing new people.

Asked about whether people trusted his judgment after he was sacked 18 months ago following an incident involving his then driver, Dr Mallia said that the feedback he received from people in the past months had been positive and supportive.