Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis did not deny going to Yorgen Fenech to try and find jobs for his constituents, but said that he has always acted within the limits of what is right.
Taking to social media on Monday, Zammit Lewis noted how a report in the Times of Malta had criticised him for trying to “guide” his constituents to find a job which fits for them.
“As a representative of the people, I have a duty to help wherever it’s possible in the limit of what is right”, he said.
“With my head held high I continue to insist that I always acted with integrity and honesty in every public role which I’ve had, with sacrifices to my professional and personal life”, he said.
He said that his family members had never sought any media attention, glory, or political protagonism to move forward.
He said that he loves the Labour Party and believes in politics of the people and that the PL is the only choice for the good of the Maltese and Gozitan people.
Zammit Lewis said that the PL continues to increase its support because it is close to the people.
The Times of Malta reported on Monday that Yorgen Fenech – the businessman who has been at the centre of corruption scandals and is accused of masterminding the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia – had offered to give jobs within Tumas Group to supporters of Edward Zammit Lewis.
The offer was made in September 2019, some months after Zammit Lewis described voters to Fenech as “Laburist Ġaħan” (Labourite fools) who were only interested in posturing politicians.
In another exchange, Zammit Lewis had seemingly sought justification from Fenech for a PL press conference on then PN leader Simon Busuttil’s attempts to get authorities to investigate 17 Black.
The exchanges were before Fenech was arrested in connection with the Daphne Caruana Galizia, but after he had been outed as the owner of the secret company 17 Black, which is at the centre of corruption allegations on the Electrogas power station project.
Zammit Lewis has faced significant pressure from civil society and the Opposition to resign over his ties to the alleged murder mastermind, but has remained in his post as Justice Minister regardless.