The foundation has often been said to lack transparency and, allegedly, there were several irregularities in its proceedings, Mr Abela said. The aim of the foundation – to improve the state of schools in Malta and also to build new schools – is commendable, he said, but the money invested in it must not be abused or spent without going through the necessary procedures, the Labour MP continued.

The statement noted that someone in a high position on the board had recently been fired and employees who were “on-loan” from the education division had been sent back to their original posts.

Mr Abela questioned whether these changes in the board could be an indication that the MLP had been right in its criticism of the foundation.