The Clerk of the House of Parliament Raymond Scicluna will be retiring from his role after 44 years of service.

The news came out during the last parliamentary sitting on Monday, where both sides of the House thanked and gave their appreciation to Scicluna. Scicluna has served in the House since 1978 and as Clerk of the House since 2012.

MPs applauded Scicluna, who was described as a professional and always available. Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne, PL Whip Andy Ellul, PN Whip Robert Cutajar, Opposition Leader Bernard Grech, as well as Speaker Anglu Farrugia spoke to honour and appreciate Scicluna for his dedicated work.

Ellul described Scicluna as a professional friend, with a strong sense of humour. "He is a walking encyclopaedia on parliamentary procedures," he said, adding that he has always been available for anything that was needed.

Ellul also said that whenever there is a lack of agreement in the House, Scicluna was the one to take MPs aside and address the matter.

He wished Scicluna a happy retirement and thanked him for his service.

PN Whip Robert Cutajar said that it was a sorrowful day, as the House will be losing a person who worked with commitment, loyalty, responsibility, and humility.

Cutajar said that Scicluna is the person the Whips speak to most regularly, and Scicluna was accessible from Monday to Sunday, even whilst abroad.

He described Scicluna as having been a great example for workers in Parliament, crediting him for it. Cutajar said that Scicluna has important values at heart.

Cutajar also said that Scicluna gave an example which none of the members of Parliament ever follow, which is that he commutes to work on a bicycle, and not by car.

Speaker Farrugia thanked Scicluna for his dedication in his work, preciseness, good conscience, and for always being courageous enough to speak up when he disagreed with something.

Farrugia said that Scicluna is "an example of how things should be done in a democratic country."

He said that Scicluna valued family first, and joked that if Scicluna felt he could continue a few more hours of work, he was always welcome.

Scicluna himself spoke briefly, thanking all the members of the House, and his family. The Speaker and the PN presented small gifts in appreciation.