Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA) chairman Claudio Grech, yesterday categorically denied linking his public duties with other activities he participates in.

He added Opposition Leader Joseph Muscat was wrong to say he (Mr Grech) had access to all government information.

In a statement rebutting allegations Dr Muscat made during a PL activity on Sunday morning, Mr Grech said the claim was an unfounded lie motivated by partisan reasons.

“I have always carried out my public duties in the ICT sector in the best way possible and in the country’s interest,” he said. “Results speak for themselves”.

He said Dr Muscat was wrong to say Mr Grech had access to all government information and such a claim only showed Dr Muscat, or his source, had no idea of how MITA and government systems operated.

Access to government systems is restricted to the persons who technically need access to them. The chairman and all members of the Board of Directors do not have such a need and so have no access to the system.

To the contrary, the Board of Directors’ role and that of himself as chairman, was to draw up a strategy and policies for the sector while ensuring the agency’s projects and programmes are implemented as planned.

“Dr Muscat should know that the time of access to information for those who do not need it is long over,” Mr Grech said.

He also pointed out that Dr Muscat was not clear in his allegation and whether he meant that Mr Grech had somewhat abused of information he allegedly had access to.

He therefore asked for a clarification to be better able to reply as is his right and duty.