In a political activity on Sunday, Leader of the Opposition Adrian Delia said that we cannot accept that our country is associated with racism and noted that the PN’s immigration policy on the matter is clear.
Speaking in Siggiewi, Delia said that the killing of Lassana Cisse Souleymane’s, the migrant killed in a drive-by shooting, was in itself was already shocking news. It was even worse that two AFM soldiers are being accused of the murder.
Not wanting a trial by the media, Delia said that we need to be prudent how to speak about the matter and that the presumption of innocence must be maintained. However, he said that the killing seemed to be racially motivated.
“The country, not the government, needs to react in a clear manner. It is not acceptable. We cannot accept that our county, the nurse of the Mediterranean, is associated with racism.”
"This is not the Malta I know,” Delia said. “We are known for our big heart and empathy but now society is changing drastically and very fast.” Children are spending hours playing at killing, Delia said referring to video games.
Racism is growing slowly and people are being judged because of their skin colour, he noted. “What difference does the skin colour make? We are all human beings.”
“It is good to be the best in Europe or the World but if we do not have a soul and values all that we achieve means nothing.”
He also said that since the accused are AFM soldiers, responsibility needs to be taken. The PN have asked for an independent, autonomous and complete investigation to establish how and when the engagement of the soldiers was made and if anything could have been done for this to be avoided.
Delia said that the government cannot decide to exempt itself from all responsibility before all facts are known. He also accused the communications officer of the Office of the Prime Minister of trying to politicise the situation.
“We cannot not talk of immigration and escape reality. We cannot have a Prime Minister who keeps on saying Malta is safe. I am not alarming anyone but ask yourself if Malta is the same as it was 10 years ago, in terms of security?”
He added that we need to discuss these problems and see if there are solutions but we definitely cannot avoid them.
The PN policy on immigration is clear, Delia noted, saying that we have to observe human rights and fundamental rights to life of everyone. “We have to be just with those that deserve protection, firm with those that are not eligible but harsh with those using people which are vulnerable,’ he said.
Delia said that the campaign of the PL is only fostering a “feel good factor” but escaping the realities the people are facing.