A very old and popular English proverb states that the proof of the pudding is in the eating. The ultimate evidence of the true nature of people is shown when attested by real situations and by their response

or reactions.

Under plain sailing circumstances it does not take much effort to project oneself as a paladin and stalwart of democracy and embracing democratic credentials. But then, when confronted with intricate circumstances, their explicit reaction unmasks their real true colours. Congruent with GonziPN’s most quoted statement, to judge them by their actual performance and not by what they say!

In a parliamentary democracy like ours, all members of parliament are elected by popular vote and each take an oath that they serve the Republic of Malta. Moreover, the government is formed by the highest number of elected members representing the party obtaining the highest number of votes in a general election, whilst the rest form the Opposition.

Still, each Member of Parliament has the right to present motions and private members’ bills for discussion. This had happened within our parliamentary history and it is a healthy exercise. The house debates any motion and bill and then MPs vote accordingly and it is upon their casted vote that these are either approved or opposed. Occasionally the Speaker’s casting vote is required.

In a polarised country like ours, absolute loyalty towards the parliamentary group is taken as sine qua non and supersedes any other consideration. Incidentally, there are still people in our country who believe that each Member of Parliament has to give a carte blanche to the leader irrespective of the fact that from an inclusive party it became an oligarchy! According to same sources, that is what makes ‘true politicians’.

Certainly, it is extraordinary for any Member of Parliament to have the guts to cross the Rubicon and vote not in line with the rest of the group. GonziPN gives the impression that this is an anomalous situation, somehow triggered by the Opposition, as this government enjoys a one-seat majority.

In the past, we had identical situations, particularly in early 70s and between 1996 and 1998, keeping in mind that the party in office at the time enjoyed a much stronger popular support. Conveniently, GonziPN ignores the fact that since the first day in office in 2008, the government did not enjoy an absolute majority (143,468 votes, 49.3%) as the majority of people opted for other parties; PL 141,888, AD 3,810 and AN 1,461.

The various flabbergasting statements during the parliamentary debate on the censure motion against Carm Mifsud Bonnici have exposed the true democratic credentials of particular MPs.

Some illustrious quotes will suffice to reveal their democratic credentials. Foreign Minister Tonio Borg requested a ruling by the Speaker as according to him the amendment (moved by the Opposition requesting the Minister’s resignation) changed the substance of the motion and therefore should be rejected because it broke House rules and practice. Eventually; Speaker Michael Frendo ruled that the Opposition could move an amendment to its censure motion against Dr Mifsud Bonnici, calling on the minister to resign.

Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said that “the Labour Party had, for a moment, put aside physical violence, allowing this to be taken over by psychological violence which had now become their favourite tool”.

Nationalist MP Philip Mifsud said “the motion was one of convenience and not of conviction, and had taken Parliament to the lowest level he could remember”.

Nationalist MP Ċensu Galea remarked that “Parliament should not be used as a theatre to destroy people working for the benefit of the country”.

Parliamentary Secretary Mario Galea said “the motion was a shameful personal attack on the minister by a destructive Opposition that was using Parliament to destroy its political adversaries”.

Nationalist MP Edwin Vassallo said the “censure motion against Home Affairs Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici was immoral and a case of moral political violence and that “the Opposition was out to destroy the man and his family just to embarrass the government. The motion lacked moral validity.” Mr Vassallo reiterated “that whatever the outcome of the vote on this motion, the minister should continue to work”.

Most of GonziPN stalwarts of democracy had suggested that a vote in favour of motion is a vote against the government, but the Prime Minister decided otherwise.

Just a few weeks ago, in the case of motion of no confidence against Minister Austin Gatt, collective responsibility was assumed.

Where have all these honourable members been when PN hyenas savagely attacked the image and integrity of then Labour Leader, Alfred Sant? Which moral values inspired and instigated the campaign to demonise Alfred Sant throughout his tenure as Labour Leader?

Where have all these honourable members been, when in March 2003, just on the eve of a general election, ex-Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami had slandered Alfred Sant during a televised political debate? During the debate, Eddie Fenech Adami claimed that Sant had refused to allow Fenech Adami’s son the opportunity to attend university.

Where have all these honourable members been, when Dr Fenech Adami had been found guilty of ‘political discrimination’? What about particular controversial presidential pardons given in the past by Dr Fenech Adami to a convicted drug trafficker and later on to a notorious PN supporter?

People subjected to psychological violence are those who are literally struggling with utility bills and eroding purchasing power. They are living from hand to mouth!

Psychological violence is that experienced by several workers who are sidelined simply owing to their political creed.

It is worth remembering that last November, MP Franco Debono had presented a motion listing major shortcomings within the remit falling under the responsibility of Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici. GonziPN ignored this motion and it was never brought forward for discussion to the House and subsequent voting.

Those who decided to ignore the plea of a Member of Parliament within their fold are unwilling to listen and have to assume the repercussions. Evidently that the problem lies with the style of leadership of GonziPN! Mea culpa, mea massima culpa!

And this notwithstanding how much GonziPN becomes hysterical and denies the obvious, as then the inevitable is avoidable. Within the last days our people had all the chance to see the true colours of GonziPN.

Roderick Galdes MP is Labour’s spokesman for Housing, Planning, Urban Development and Construction