We’ll welcome EU Heads of Government, Ministers and 2,500 journalists’ read one of the billboards to hail Malta’s EU presidency. Incidentally, it was also one of the most (in)famous billboards since it also had a spelling mistake. Having 2,500 journalists visit the island over the course of six months was a matter of pride for the Muscat administration, so much so that it was singled out to create the fabled feel-good factor during its term of the presidency.

Fast forward to a few weeks later and today we have all sort of journalists, their organizations, academics and European organizations voicing their concern on the Bill presented by government to ‘reform’ the media law.  

I commend the PN’s bold move to present a Bill banning the abuse of precautionary garnishee orders. I think it is high time that political parties walk the talk on the issue of respecting and valuing free speech and the right to express oneself even when this translates into criticism of the government. This is another move by an Opposition that is looking ahead and is not only interested in its immediate interests. There could be instances where accusations will be levelled against Nationalist politicians; however, it is comforting to see a Party taking a firm stand on what it considers the gagging of free speech and freedom of expression.

The government’s knee-jerk reaction to this is worrying. While upholding the repeal of the infamous criminal libel and the use of precautionary garnishee orders, the government is also proposing a draconian bill. In the words of the Front Against Censorship: “In its proposed Media and Defamation Act, the Government is proposing changes which contradict the principles which informed its electoral manifesto, particularly those regarding its commitment to the removal of censorship laws.”

I chose to write about the criticism levelled by the Front to make sure that no one thinks I am relying on a biased opinion. The Front, which was set up prior to the 2013 general election, also states that “it must express its dissatisfaction with the compulsory registration of news agencies, the new restrictions on the protection of sources”.

The Front is not alone in its criticism of the Bill presented by the government. A number of international journalist bodies have promised to take the Bill to European and international fora if the government ploughs through with its implementation without taking on board the criticism being levelled at it. This is not ‘the best in Europe’ Malta had in mind when electing Joseph Muscat on the back of his clear promises to this effect.

Four years into the term of this administration, we have seen endless scandals involving the top echelons of government. It is offensive to simply try to brush these issues under the carpet. The PN is on the people’s side on this issue, as has been the case regularly over the past years. Free media and freedom of expression are paramount in a thriving democracy. And it follows that it has to be the PN that will safeguard such freedoms.

Sam Abela