The Malta Labour Party believes that public administration should be transparent, efficient and offer value for money to the public, Opposition Leader Alfred Sant said yesterday.

He was speaking during a visit by Union Haddiema Maghqudin officials at the party’s headquarters, called to discuss MLP’s vision statement for the public sector.

Dr Sant said that the public service should offer gratifying careers to its workers and be flexible in order to cater for the changes taking place in the country. To this end, he said, the MLP is undertaking wide consultations with interested parties based on its vision statement.

UHM secretary general Gejtu Vella said that the union is pleased to be involved in the consultation process and appealed for a public administration free from partisan politics. Mr Vella said that political parties should be involved only in formulating policy. The union had great belief in the Public Service Commission, which should serve as a watchdog to safeguard the interest of public servants.

Mr Vella said that the MLP vision statement should have included a reference to unions and employment conditions.

Dr Sant said that similar vision statements will be issued on the self employed, agriculture and fisheries, national heritage and information technology.