Financial consultant Paul Bonello challenged PN MPs Jason Azzopardi and Tonio Fenech to repeat their allegations outside Parliament, referring to statements they made in the House that he had physically called at the Malita offices requesting a number of files and documents.

As things stand, MPs are protected by parliamentary privilege, but Mr Bonello challenged them to make the same declarations outside the House.

Contacted by The Malta Independent, Mr Bonello said that what was stated in parliament is far from the truth and is determined to sue the MPs the minute they repeat what they said outside parliament.

“I categorically deny having been to the Malita offices asking for any files, or phoning in for any documentation or files for that matter, adding that I don’t even know the location of Malita’s offices, let alone having visited them.

“These are Democrats, Christians; what they’ve done is demonic,” Mr Bonello said.

Mr Bonello was answering to questions by this portal whether he had been nominated to head Malita, an offer which Finance Minister Edward Scicluna would not confirm in Parliament.

Mr Bonello said he never confirmed or denied rumours of appointments.

“All I can say is that the government wants me but I haven’t yet accepted the role; there are a few issues that need attention.”

He emphasised that he will definitely not abandon his preferred activity, that of selling investments while also helping clients solve any investment-related problems that may ensue.

Malita Investments plc was registered by the government to operate on an independent and commercial basis in an initiative aimed at contributing towards long-term investment development in Malta in partnership between the public and private sectors.

Yesterday, Dr Azzopardi asked Finance Minister Edward Scicluna if it was true that the government had been advised that appointing Mr Bonello would have infringed the Stock Exchange rules because it would have created a conflict of interest.

The conflict of interest referred to may arise if Mr Bonello were to remain head of Finco Trust group of Companies, which he currently occupies, if he is also appointed by the government as head of Malita.

Asked about this, Mr Bonello said that there’s a way conflict may be eliminated.