We often brag about living in a democracy but I often wonder to what extent is this true.

Let’s take for example the fundamental right of human speech, as supposedly guaranteed in the EU Charter of Human Rights. But when going over Malta’s Public Service Management Code 7.5, one reads that a public officer is strictly forbidden to express his/her views to the media.

Is such a restriction valid or just? There is a department through which criticism is channelled, but wouldn’t that department be prejudiced in favour of the government department being criticized? Wouldn’t that be like sending a complaint about Prince Charles to the Queen?

So I was just curious if someone out there could explain to me whether or not there is a discrepancy between the EU’s Charter of Human Rights and Malta’s Public Service Management Code? Personally, I wouldn’t be afraid of someone writing or speaking his/her mind unless there was something to hide, right?

Joe Falzon

QALA