The Partit Demokratiku (PD) has taken aim at the Standing Committees in Parliament, arguing that most do not contribute to good governance.

Parliamentary Standing Committees provide a democratic opportunity for detailed investigation and discussion before the findings and outcomes of a particular subject are addressed in the plenary meeting, the PD statement read

"Their smooth running and effectiveness contribute to good governance. This is certainly not the case for all standing committees in Malta. Most are run with ulterior political agendas."

"Parliament is failing to be accountable to the people. Such committees are a unique source of outreach. Public and civil society participation should be a mainstay," PD Leader Godfrey Farrugia said.

The PD highlighted a number of issues, including the Petition Committee for not finding the time to meet even once since the beginning of this year, the Health Committee for not holding a single meeting since 5th December 2018, The Environmental Committee not discussing PD's proposal to deliberate on PA's Rural Policy.

The PD also said that the Public Accounts Committee met 47 times in this Legislature since PD had asked it two years ago in August 2017 to recommend that the Auditor General investigates and checks whether there are breaches in the Smart City's contract. "It is an established fact that the House Standing Orders need to be properly revised. The Government is not only dictating the Parliamentary agenda, but has also hijacked its Procedure. Parliament's integrity and reputation need to be restored. Urgently."