Rightly so, people are expecting higher ethical standards from the PL. This is basically the reason why most voted and opted for a change of the National Guard. Hopefully this change would not prove to be a jump from the frying pan into the fire.  The PL team, under the supervision of Premier Joseph Muscat, made many promises and commitments to people during the last electoral campaign. Transparency, meritocracy and accountability were placed at the very top of the PL political agenda. The ploy worked out magnificently and achieved the desired results for the PL. If this change would be of benefit to Malta also only time will tell.      

Now it is time for the PL to honour the commitments and deliver on the promises.  As yet, the promised new method of politics is not being felt by the people on the ground.  Only the privileged and those who opted to publicly support the PL bandwagon are now entertained to join the gravy train.  This is creating ripples within the PL as some are perceived more powerful than others within the inner circles while loyal PL supporters are left waiting on the pavement in scorching summer temperatures in front of Ministries.

During the first few months of this legislature some of the newly appointed Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are making boisterous statements which are not congruent with the PL promises. These are sending a negative vibe and giving the impression that some Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries can do away with their shortcomings with the blessings of the Premier. 

While, it is to be noted that some Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are striving and doing their best endeavours to fulfil their duties in a diligent manner, others have taken the liberty and are acting in parameters which are outside their remit.  Taking into account that some Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are already taking the liberty to ignore the Code of Ethics for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries after four months in office is a cause for serious concern. One may wonder what kind of actions some Ministers and/or Parliamentary Secretaries would venture to take in the months and years to come. The Prime Minister would do well to look into these issues and take corrective measures now before it would be too late.

A case in point revolves around the recent declarations of assets by the Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries. I see nothing wrong with Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries declaring publicly their assets. These declarations should be done properly and give a true picture of their assets. The current Code of Ethics for Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries which was adopted in January 1994 is still in force and applicable. Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are duty bound to declare their assets every year within a defined period of time. 

I do not share the view of some who rushed to call the present office incumbents - champagne and caviar socialists. In my opinion they are more of silent money mongers if anything. If their declared wealth has been acquired through investments, inheritance, from professional services or other legitimate means it should not be labelled. To my mind wealth creates business and encourages investments and provides new employment opportunities. The wrong doing comes into play if monies were acquired through abuse or illegitimate means.  In this regard there are various independent bodies and institutions to look into such matters to curb abuse and irregularities.              

For ease of reference I am copying and producing here the relevant article from the Code of Ethics of Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries.

Article 48.  Within two months, from his appointment and not later than the month of March of each year, every Minister should deposit with the Secretary to the Cabinet a declaration listing:

(a) the immovable property of the Minister or in relation to which he has some form of title:

(b) shares, bonds or other interests which he may have in a company or partnership, public or private;

(c) the sum total of money he has deposited in banks;

(d) directorships or other offices he holds;

(e) his income in the previous year;

(f) the sum total of loans he may have received which are still outstanding.

49. This declaration should reflect the position as at the 31st December of the previous year, and under the items (a), (b) and (c) mentioned above, it should include the property of the spouse of the Minister if it forms part of the community of acquests, as well as of the minor children of the Minister provided he has their custody.

This is clear enough procedure for our Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries who so wish to honour their vows on appointment to serve our small islands. This is also in line with the accountability and transparency stand point which was promoted and promised by the PL some weeks ago.

In this regard the recent statement by the Prime Minister when asked whether he believed the declarations of assets made by his ministers was one of disbelief “I believe them as I believed those submitted in previous years”

This statement by our Premier is quite alarming, giving the signal that the accountability bar may be lowered to match that of the previous administration and suit the whims of the PL now in office.  People have been promised accountability, meritocracy, and transparency. These values were at the heart and promoted by the PL during the last electoral campaign.       

While meritocracy was immediately thrown out of the window a couple of days after the PL walked into office. It is accountability and transparency which now are placed in jeopardy. One wonders what will come next.

[email protected]