For the past three years my goal in life was to become a university student. After witnessing what was supposed to be an organised and civil debate on Monday, unfortunately I am totally disgusted and ashamed to be a University student. Of course I fully agree with freedom of speech, democracy etc. but I also appreciate respect and tolerance. Having a different opinion and belief is one thing but showing arrogance and haughtiness is totally unacceptable. As is the mockery towards a person’s health issues, because if one knows no boundaries, even where health is concerned then I question if our values are still intact.

Moreover, I was disappointed to see a good number of students who attend Junior College and in no doubt are not eligible to vote. So I ask: what was their purpose of being there? Oh yes, their only job was to disrupt what was supposed to be a civil debate.

I can only conclude that everyone has the right to speak freely, so please let our party leaders do the talking, judge on actions done and vote. Respect, everyone including Dr Harry Vassallo, Dr Josie Muscat and obviously our soon-to-be Prime Minister Dr Alfred Sant. If one opts to boo and hiss then there can only be another reason besides the fact that they are rude; and that is that they do not want to let others hear what is being said for various reason.

Oh and by the way it would have been nice to know I could bring my mum along!

Nikita Zammit Alamango

St Julian’s