On Sunday, people enthusiastically accepted the invitation by Dr Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition and PN Leader, despite the fact that on the same day, Brian Tonna, the Nexia BT Chief, admitted that he owns the Panama shelve company ‘Egrant’.   It is sickening to see people like Mr Tonna stoop so low.   He willingly played into the hands of people in the political arena.  While the selected few continue to line their pockets, the vulnerable continue to slide into poverty thanks to people like Brian Tonna.  

People took to the streets to show their aversion at the incompetence, dishonesty and the alleged cases of corruption which this administration is manifestly infested with.  The demonstration showed that, irrespective whether one prefers to be served tea in a glass and pastizzi at the village bar or be pampered with sumptuous food and a selection of exceptional wines in one of the finest restaurants, people are able to discern that the time has come to voice their concerns.  People showed that when their rights are trampled on, they would be willing to show their disapproval.  The protest also indicated that people should not be labelled by some tenuous social class system.

In a democracy that is alive and kicking, everybody over eighteen years, bar minor exceptions that preclude some from exercising their right to cast their vote, is, irrespective of income, status, creed or sex, entitled to one vote.  And all votes cast have the same weighting. 

This is why I strongly object to comments and remarks passed at people because of their status in society,  particularly when disrespectful remarks are thrown in the face of those who, for diverse reasons, might not be in a position to give a piece of their mind to defend their status.  I find this kind of snobbishness revolting.  To me, this becomes even more so when the so-called ‘elite’ use, when it serves them, people labelled as ‘hamalli’.  Perhaps I find it revolting because I look at people as individuals, worth of respect.

From my past experience I can state that none of the political formations can represent the aspirations of the different members of society unless the political party’s representatives are prepared and willing to roll up their sleeves and patiently and attentively listen to what the different members of society have to say.  Political parties’ representatives should refrain from making complex situations look easy to the electorate.  And they must be able to say an unequivocal ‘no’ when it is clear from the onset that the claim is unjustified.  A ‘yes’ in exchange for votes is political deceit.         

I always believed, and still do, that representatives of any organisation, including political parties, must allow ample time for their members to air their views, and their grievances.  Unless political representatives are willing to engage constantly and understand the frustrations of the electorate, they would not be able to represent the electorate properly, and will likely continue to distance themselves from the electorate. 

A case in point is the current situation of maladministration which has not only disturbed Malta’s credentials with various international stakeholders but has hit hard on the head PL loyal supporters.    It is very clear the PL administration has cut all ties with their rank and file.  The PL leadership has even opted to ignore sound advice from within its ranks, including that coming from frontline seasoned PL members of the House and an MEP. 

While connecting with the electorate may be perceived as a natural process when a political formation is not in the driving seat, this becomes much harder to sustain once voted into public office. The natural consequence is that, within months, any political formation in government becomes disconnected with the electorate and its affiliates unless these are allowed to air their views.  

I strongly believe that any political party entrusted with public office can represent the electorate well if it is not detached from the people.  The PN should make it clear from the onset that elected candidates will continue to visit PN party clubs regularly.  

While it is understandable that junior ministers, ministers and the prime minister have to attend high-powered meetings with their counterparts, it would be wrong if the PN is returned to power and fails to keep close contact with the electorate, particularly the party supporters.   If this lesson has not been taken on board, then the PN strategists and administration need to go back to the drawing board. 

Much as people are disappointed with this administration, the PN would do well to advocate that claims made by the electorate would not be allowed to fall on deaf ears and remain in abeyance for many months on end.  After the disillusionment of the electorate with the now obvious PL deceitful electorate promises, the PN should continue to assert itself as the only viable and honest alternative.

The writing is on the wall.