No members of the University of Malta’s rectorate appear to be among those endorsing a petition calling for the immediate resignation of outgoing Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.

Three hundred and four academics from the university have signed the petition calling for Muscat to resign immediately – rather than in January – or for him to be removed instead.

Reading through the list of signatures, some names are conspicuously absent, specifically members of the university’s rectorate, including rector Alfred Vella, and pro-rectors Carmen Sammut, Tanya Sammut Bonnici, Saviour Zammit and Godfrey Baldacchino.

The Malta Independent contacted the above academics to inquire about why their names were not on the list, as well as their opinion on the current situation.

Prof Carmen Sammut alone replied, stating that she had not received the petition and knew nothing about it other than the fact that it had been in the press.

Following the other academics’ failure to reply, this newsroom contacted the University of Malta’s communications officer to confirm whether or not the petition had reached the rectorate’s offices and, if so, whether it had been signed. This newsroom also asked whether the rectors and pro-rectors

should express their opinion on the country’s political crisis and how this has affected the institution itself.

The communications officer stated that the petition was an initiative taken up by a number of academics, but was not endorsed by the University of Malta. “There are probably divergent views on this matter, as is generally the case, and the rectorate would rather not make any comments.”

The petition signed by more than 300 academics reads: “As academics at the University of Malta, we have followed developments in Malta tied to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, corruption and institutionalised money laundering. We feel that those entrusted with power have betrayed, in the most serious manner, the trust of Maltese citizens and the international community. In this context, Joseph Muscat must resign or be removed from office with immediate effect. This is necessary for the investigations to proceed without impediment from the Office of the Prime Minister.”

Muscat has stated that he will be stepping down as leader of the Labour Party on 12 January, once the party elects its new leader, and as prime minister sometime after that. Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and PL MP Robert Abela will both be contesting the leadership race.