I have lately become the favourite target of the Labour Party. Finally, it was my turn. The Opposition has been systematically trying to ruin my reputation both on a personal and political level. It all started with blatant lies about my wife, then about my profession, and finally a full-blown attack against the health sector.

After countless press conferences, television programmes and press releases, the Opposition has failed to mention the most important part of it all. They failed to present the Maltese and Gozitan population with a series of definite proposals.

While personal and political attacks have become the order of the day, the lack of politics is something I cannot really accept. While the government is duty bound to run a country, the Opposition is also bound to be constructive in its approach.

In simple words, Citizen Cikku can complain about the health services. It’s a free world of course, and the Nationalist Party won the fight for democracy and free speech long ago when Cikku was going around with the In- Tagħna in his hand. However, while Citizen Cikku can grumble and change subject, the Opposition has a further commitment. It has to speak about solutions. It has the duty to speak about visions and concrete proposals.

To date I have not heard a single proposal for the health sector by the Opposition’s spokesperson on health. I wonder why. The Opposition opposed practically everything in the health sector. I wonder if, for example, they intend to stop investing in the national cancer plan, or if they will stop the building of the new oncology centre.

To make matters worse, it’s not only about health. It’s also about other issues. For example, do you remember when Labour took to the streets promising cheaper water and electricity bills to all? It seems they have forgotten all about it. I cannot blame them – they are busy. In the past weeks, the Leader of the Opposition was running around all over the island boasting about how well the local councils (Labour of course!) performed over the last few years. It seems that he also forgot that his party was never interested in setting up the local councils. But it’s OK. You see, we were promised cheap water and electricity bills, so cheer up. The future is bright. But wait. From where will Labour get the extra millions needed to compensate for this?

Come on Labour, muscle up. Let’s speak factually. Let’s discuss ideas, concepts, plans, proposals.

Some say politics is a game. I do not agree with such a statement. Politics is how we shape our country’s future, and therefore our future. That is why it is important to have a vision, which should help you determine your objectives. In turn, clear objectives give rise to a systematic process of planning that finally leads to the actual implementation of politics.

Unfortunately, politics seems to be a game for the Opposition. However, dear colleagues, while playing, warn your spectators that they are paying to watch you play a game with a fragile toy we call Malta.

Dr Cassar is the Minister for Health, the Elderly and Community Care