Opinions about the government’s performance are bound to differ from time to time but the truth is that the government is proving to have the courage and mettle to implement one revolution after another. It is tackling issues that have been treated like ‘don’t go there’ zones for too long.

Reforming the pension system, and coming up with the new rent law are two examples of what the government has been able to achieve without much ado – it took these issues in its stride as it handles different areas of governance, more often than not left on its own to take all the brunt of initially unpopular decisions, even if after years go by those criticising the government end up claiming that it was really their own idea after all!

The forthcoming reform of the transport system will be another revolution for the government to add to its list of achievements.

Today, I would like to focus on the decision to privatise the Drydocks. The vote about the matter was taken last Wednesday. It was clear and cordial! 35 in favour and 34 against. Let the record stand should anybody ever opt to try to rewrite history in the future!

The bottom line is that the country has moved from a situation where it annually forks out between €40 and €45 million and will start to make money. No matter how much one could try to make an issue about whether any particular contract was handled properly or otherwise, the truth is that over the years Malta forked out €1 billion by way of subsidies in favour of an industry that was draining the national economy.

That notwithstanding, the Drydocks workers were treated with the utmost respect since the government saw to a reasonable termination package in their favour that cost no less than €50 million, apart from doing its utmost to see the same people, most of whom are highly skilled, find new jobs that will guarantee them and their families their deserved livelihood.

The government also refrained from any suggestion to close down the Drydocks and simply sell off or lease the site for other purposes. That would have been an exercise in sheer speculation where we would in such a scenario be discussing how many dwellings, business centres, marinas, shopping areas and entertainment venues could fit into the footprint formerly occupied by the Drydocks. Surprise, surprise, for cynics and critics alike – the government did nothing of the sort!

As a result of the privatisation deal, an Italian company that is specialised in ship repair will be taking over the Drydocks and I do not think any one could blame that company for wanting to kick off with a clean slate. The company will pay €18 million upfront and the total rental value that will be due over the contract period amounts to €90.6 million.

Moreover, Palumbo will be investing no less than €31 million, of which €23 million have to be invested in the first five years in the enterprise. That is apart from €3 million towards training schemes for workers.

All that is apart from the investment that will be carried out in the Manoel Island Yacht Yard that has been treated separately in order to maximise returns and specialisations.

A new chapter is being written in our country’s history. The decision endorsed by the Government Members of Parliament and voted against by the Opposition will do us proud as a nation. The decision proves yet again that what counts in governing a country is the ability to be on the right side of history, to have the courage to implement one more revolution when and where needed, and not simply praise it years later when the government’s foresight and vision will stand the test of history.

Dr Francis Zammit Dimech is a Nationalist MP