Kalcidon Agius, a veteran Labour politician and former House speaker, passed away yesterday. Hailing from Gharghur, Mr Agius was speaker from 1978 to 1982.

In a tribute, Labour leader Alfred Sant said that Mr Agius was one of the first protagonists in the fight that the workers’ movement carried out to win better rights for all.

Dr Sant said that Mr Agius was a strong defender of workers’ rights and suffered greatly due to persecution and injustice. He also found the time to contribute to the literary and drama movement.

Mr Agius was awarded the Companion of the National Order of Merit in 1996.