Ministers may be allowed to keep their private practice, if it is ‘in the national interest’,   Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar said this morning. This might allow former parliamentary secretary Franco Mercieca to make his way back into cabinet.

Speaking at a hastily-convened press conference as the government had to face criticism following the publication of parts of the code; Mr Cutajar said that because of its limitations, Malta needs to safeguard its specialised assets.  If the minister's practice serves to safeguard specialisations, then he or she will be allowed to carry out both duties, given the practice does not interfere with ministerial duties.

He explained that it has been decided that ministers requested to carry out lectures at the university will be allowed to do so – with the national interest in this case would be transfer of knowledge.

Asked what will defines the national interest, Mr Cutajar merely said this will be the decision of the cabinet, and ultimately the prime minister.

Asked by The Malta Independent whether not defining the roles which are in the national interest would open doors to abuse, Mr Cutajar replied that this will not happen. “That is not how good governance works, if the specialisation will be sacrificed, then a compromise needs to be reached - this unless it conflicts ministerial duties.  Ultimately, the individual in question needs to feel ethical himself."

At present, Ministers Owen Bonnici and Helena Dalli carry out part-time work as lecturers at the University of Malta.

Possible for Franco Mercieca to return

Asked specially about the possibility of Franco Mercieca acting as an ophthalmologist and a minister at the same time, Mr Cutajar said he can't answer at the moment, although there is the possibility this will happen.

For a minister to be allowed to this, a waiver will still need to be signed by the cabinet.

He stressed that the new code of ethics did not start being discussed following the controversy on Mr Mercieca.  The former parliamentary secretary had renounced to his position as an ophthalmologist to take up the role of parliamentary secretary, but returned to his profession in full a year into this legislature.

Mr Mercieca is being mentioned as a possible replacement of Anton Refalo as Gozo Minister, given the problems the current minister is facing following accusations of works-for-votes carried out in Gozo.

Code of ethics was compiled in 2014

Despite the code of ethics being passed on to the media yesterday, the date on the document states ‘August 2014’. It is still unknown why the government waited so long for publication.

Declaration of assets

The permanent secretary stressed that when it comes to declaration of assets of ministers and parliamentary secretaries, the clause and the form remained unchanged – except for the language it is in.

The cabinet members need to list the immovable property, any shares, bonds or partnerships, the sum deposited in banks, directorships or offices, his/her income in the previous year and the sum total of outstanding loans.

This should also include property of the spouse of the minister as well as minor children – provide the minister has custody.