To me it is crystal clear. There are two weights and two measures in respect of the Malta Labour Party and the Nationalist Party. It seems that the PN can get away with murder, but the MLP cannot.
Let us take the Mistra scandal which, after all, involves one prominent MP from the Nationalist camp, Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando (JPO). It is certain that before the last general election JPO was one of the few Nationalist MPs who was sure of a place in the Cabinet if the PN were returned to power.
This however did not materialise for JPO, for obvious reasons. But in the last few days what struck me was that when the Prime Minister and leader of the Nationalist Party was asked to comment on the future of JPO in politics, especially as a Member of Parliament, he simply replied that this was an internal affair of the PN. An internal affair? How come that it is being said now that this is just an internal affair of the PN? I have not seen any opinion articles or letters to show disagreement with the Prime Minister’s view.
However when it comes to the MLP it seems that nothing is internal. The media want to know and ask about everything. This is a clear example of two weights and two measures. I accept the fact that the contest for the leadership of the MLP is of interest to everyone; however until the leadership is elected I feel that this is first and foremost an internal affair. This is different to when, four years ago, the PN had the same kind of race for their leader – the chosen one was to be sworn in as Prime Minister without being elected so, after all.
And what about speculation in the media about currents in favour of one contender or another in the leadership race of the Malta Labour Party? The media of the Nationalist Party and their allies should be the last to speak since in the so-called race for the PN leadership, Lawrence Gonzi was the anointed one by his predecessor and the entire party machine, including the secretary general, pushed and worked only for him. My personal opinion is that while accepting that interest is shown and interviews are given by the contenders, first and foremost, until the leadership race is over, it is an internal affair of the Malta Labour Party. After all, the delegates are going to elect the party leader and deputy leaders of the MLP.
Messa da Requiem
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine. (Grant them eternal rest, O Lord.) This is the first line of the Messa da Requiem by Anton Nani, which I attended last Tuesday at St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta. It was a very good performance by all those who took part in the 90-minute-long event. The Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, the four solos and the choir gave an outstanding interpretation of this messa, which was composed and first performed in 1879. One must say that for this piece of sacred music, Antonio Nani received the Gold Medal at the London Universal Exhibition in 1886. I consider this to be quite an achievement, especially for that time.
A special mention must go to the conductor of this masterpiece in sacred music, Maestro Emanuel Spagnol. This was his first time he conducted the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and he did very well. Himself being the principal horn player in the same orchestra, he is also the music director of two bands – the Prince of Wales Own Band Club of Vittoriosa and the Nicolo` Isouard Band of Mosta. Well done, Maestro.
This performance was another example, if there was any need, of the talent that Malta has. While encouraging those who are still active, we need to remember the composers of the past. Not only the Nani family, but also Carlo Diacono, Vincenzo Bugeja, Paolino Vassallo and others. These composed a good amount of sacred music and the best way to celebrate them is to have their works presented to the general public.
The wealth of sacred music that Malta enjoys is immense. A word of thanks is due to Reverend John Galea, who is doing his utmost to make public and record this music.
Carmelo Abela is a Labour Member of Parliament
[email protected]