From Mr E. Schembri

I attended an interesting evening organised by the Malta Labour Party to celebrate its 88th anniversary. In the course of the evening, an article by Guze Ellul Mercer “Ghaliex jien fil-Partit tal-Haddiema” was mentioned.

In this article Ellul Mercer stressed that in the workers’ party, the leader (at the time Dr Boffa), Guze Ellul and Zaccheu taz-zibel have the same say. They have the same say because all three of them can sit around a table as equals and if Zaccheu knows how to put forward an argument, then whoever represents him in Parliament should and must submit his argument with all the strength and rights that democracy offers him.

At present, this is what the Labour Party (LP) should do when the Nationalist Party (PN), which in my humble opinion has no clear political ideology, tries to treat Labour Party people as second-class citizens, like Ellul Mercer was treated decades ago.

At that time there was huge social injustice and a vast difference between social classes but today we speak of a democratic, fair society. However, although in a new millennium, in reality the PN is dismantling all the hard work the LP did back in the 1970s and 1980s with the cooperation of many citizens from all walks of life. For those who want to listen, the reality is that back in those days the LP gave dignity to all Maltese citizens, in particular to the working class. The LP then also managed to narrow the gap between the social classes NOT by lowering any particular class, but by establishing the middle class and by introducing social assistance.

Guze Ellul Mercer concluded his article stating that leaders with great political minds come and go, and are forgotten but the party’s principles are strongly embedded in the party’s foundations. He maintained that the LP is built on strong will and so must never change or abandon its principles. Indeed, as a result the LP people will always endure.

Inspired by Ellul Mercer, I urge each and everyone at the LP, from top to bottom – me included at the bottom, to make sure that s/he know well the principles and political ideology entrenched in the party’s fundamentals.

My final appeal is addressed to the LP’s administration. You at administration have an obligation to teach, explain and guide those who are eager to learn and understand the LP’s main objectives and ultimate goals. In the meantime, do leave space for healthy debates on the LP’s way forward, as long as the final target is to find the best way ahead for the common good and the good of our beloved Malta!!

Ethelbert Schembri

COSPICUA