The government is duty-bound to not only respect the vulnerable, but also to intervene for the good of such people, Labour leader Alfred Sant said yesterday.

Speaking at a political activity in Lija, Dr Sant said the government is failing its sincerity test and the test that shows whether or not it is implementing what it believes in.

Referring to the Maltese athletes that participated in the Special Olympics in Shanghai, Dr Sant said they did not receive any support from the government, despite their achievements.

The Maltese contingent was the smallest at the games, but they proved to be successful and managed to win a substantial number of medals, said Dr Sant.

He added that after listening to these athletes’ experiences at the Special Olympics, he felt encouraged by the capabilities of the Maltese people and said he believed even more in the slogan “who dares wins”.

Dr Sant also referred to the 94-year-old Sliema woman who is living at risk due to a floor that is being demolished above her house.

He said the government was responsible to protect the interests of this elderly woman, even though Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had said it was an issue that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa) would deal with.

The Labour leader went on to mention former Sea Malta employees, saying they had the right to receive certain payments after the government shut down the company. He said the case has been taken to court and the former employees are living in uncertainty.

One particular employee was involved in an incident at work and suffered a 95 per cent disability. He has not received a pension or compensation, said the Labour leader, adding that Prime Minister Gonzi said the case was being taken care of in court.

Dr Sant said the government’s promise to introduce the national breast screening programme, was a lie from beginning to end and the government was fooling breast cancer patients.

He noted that professionals leading the fight against cancer said the country lacked human resources and adequate equipment for such a programme to be able to be introduced.

The Labour leader said the country has reached the end of a regime; the present government is not only incompetent, but it is a government that will continue fooling people till the very end.

As for the Cabinet of Labour Ministers after the forthcoming general election, Dr Sant said they will be competent and will adopt a zero-tolerance attitude as regards corruption.

He said Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is now saying he will reshuffle the Cabinet of Ministers after the general election, but he failed to say who will be removed from the current line-up.

On the contrary, a new Labour government will have a total reshuffle, said Dr Sant, adding that the new government will bring about a tranquil change in the country. Those who do not agree with the new Labour government will still be allowed to express their opinion, he said.

Dr Sant referred to Roads and Urban Development Minister Jesmond Mugliett’s company of architects. He said the same people forming part of this company use another name to act as consultants to the government for a number of large road projects, including the Manwel Dimech Bridge project, which should have been completed more than a month ago.

These consultants are doing well and they will benefit further, the longer the project takes to be completed, said Dr Sant, adding that such disgraceful situations will not happen under the leadership of a new Labour government.

Speaking about employment, the Labour leader said that despite the Prime Minister’s positive statements, the country had the least rate of full-time job creation since Malta gained independence.

Double the number of full-time jobs were created in the 60s and the 90s, while four times the number of full-time jobs were created in the 70s and 80s, said Dr Sant.

It was clear that the majority of citizens acknowledge the fact that the Labour Party is more responsible than the PN, because it implements its promises, said Dr Sant, adding that the MLP will continue promising things that can be achieved.

Labour deputy leaders Charles Mangion and Michael Falzon also participated in yesterday’s political activity in Lija.

Mr Mangion said the MLP’s proposal to cut the surcharge on utility bills by half, and the other proposal for no income tax to be charged on over-time hours, would provide more disposable income and help grow the economy.

Dr Falzon, on the other hand, spoke about the fact that over the past week, the Labour Party has shown that it is ready and prepared to lead the country. He said the MLP’s message was clear and positive; the Labour Party is showing the way forward and it will make a much bigger difference than the current government, following the forthcoming general election.