I have recently attended two seminars intended mainly for members of the accountancy profession, board directors and other company officials organised by the Malta Institute of Accountants (MIA) and another organised by the Malta Forum of Internal Auditors (MFIA). Both seminars focused on corporate governance.

The seminar organised by the MIA consisted of a two-hour lecture by Marlene Mizzi, who showed great proficiency in the subject, not an easy one by any standards, and great ability in delivering her presentation.

The second seminar organised by the MFIA consisted of four very able speakers who focused on the international and local aspects of corporate governance. The chairperson of the seminar was Ms Mizzi who again showed her knowledge of the subject matter and particularly of board matters. She chaired the event smoothly and efficiently, contributing her input in addition to the speakers. She is very obviously comfortable in the chairperson’s role.

During coffee time, a discussion took place and questions arose. Is it possible for the ministers in charge of our many boards and authorities not to have found a place for such a capable person as Ms Mizzi on any of its boards? Does the fact that one shows disagreement with the government on non-political issues disqualify one completely from boards of public entities? Is this not detrimental to the overall interest of the country? Ms Mizzi would obviously be a valid member of any board, not only through her knowledge and experience of board matters, but also through her well-known feisty, straight-forward character.

I am a sympathiser of the party in power, but when I witness such waste of talent, I cringe at my own party in government, which is sending the wrong message. This country cannot waste human resources in this manner and we need to pull our socks and grow up if we want to compete with the more mature European counterparts, for whom petty politics are not on the forefront as they seem to be with us.

John C. Debono

CPA, MIM

St Paul’s Bay