The Partit Demokratiku this morning formally nominated Philip Micallef on the Commission Against Corruption, saying it is doing the job that has been neglected by the Nationalist Party.

The Permanent Commission Against Corruption has been unable to meet for the past eight months since Adrian Delia, as leader of Partit Nazzjonalista and leader of the Opposition, has yet to nominate someone to fill the position left vacant by the passing away of former magistrate Joe Cassar, PD said in a statement.

Since this situation was brought to our attention last November, when the Prime Minister explained the reason why the Commission could not meet and function, Partit Demokratiku has patiently waited to see whether this omission would be rectified. It has not.

PD forms part of the Opposition and as the Constitution and meeting of this board areof paramount importance in the current politico-economic climate in Malta, PD has nominated Philip Micallef to fill the vacant position.

PD was searching for someone with a reputation of unimpeachable integrity with practical experience both in private enterprise and on government regulatory boards, ideally with experience abroad as well. As the position to be filled is in the service of the entire nation, PD was also looking for someone who is not a member of the Party and who has no current party-political ties.

This morning Anthony Buttigieg, with PD’s members of Parliament, Godfrey and Marlene Farrugia, sent a letter to the Prime Minister formally nominating Micallef to be a member of the Permanent Commission Against Corruption. We now await his reply. We trust this will be speedy so that the Commission can once again take on its role of investigating cases of potential corruption in this country.

Micallef was CEO for Air Malta from 2014 till 2016. Chief Executive of the Bermuda Regulatory Authority from 2012 till 2014; Executive Chairman of the Malta Communications Authority from 2008 till 2012; CEO of Melita Cable from 2006 till 2008; CEO Malta Enterprise 2004 till 2006. Before this he held several senior positions in France, Italy, Switzerland and Spain in major international telecommunications and technology companies.