A large number of academics have signed a statement expressing concern on the American University of Malta location, the “assessment made in the selection of the site” and “lack of transparency” in the case but a number of academics, most of whom have Labour ties, chose not to sign it.

The statement was published online late last month after several academics expressed their concerns. It was signed by 195 academics in all, including over 150 academic staff at the University of Malta, and some 40 professors.

Those who did not choose to sign the statement include Prof Dominic Fenech, who is formerly served as the PL’s secretary general and at present is the head of the History Department at the University of Malta, Prof Carmel Borg, who had stated, in a televised interview, that he was against the Zonqor Point development, Dr Carmen Sammut - the chairperson of the Majjistral Park Board and previously chaired the Fondazzjoni Ideat, presenter of Ghandi xi Nghid discussion programme Dr Andrew Azzopardi and Prof. Mary Darmanin, the former wife of ex Labour prime minister Alfred Sant.

The statement read: ‘On the proposal to build the American University of Malta in the vicinity of Zonqor Point in Marsaskala, we express our concern on the lack of transparency in the process and careful assessment in the selection of the project itself as well as the proposed site.

“We urge the government to exercise due prudence with a view to enhance the common good including through the strengthening of quality education and through the protection of land which lies outside development boundaries.’

The first to be contacted by this newsroom was Prof Fenech who said that he is “under no obligation to say why I signed or did not sign” and chose not to comment further.

Next in line was Dr Azzopardi who explained that he is not against the idea of a new university, however has reservations on whether it should be built at Zonqor.

He said he supports the idea of widening the education sector and that it has become a commodity such as English language schools.

“I believe that it is both good for competition and negotiating power. This will also create more opportunities,” he said.

Dr Azzopardi said that he felt more comfortable expressing himself at length than by signing the statement.

As for building at Zonqor, he believes that “we can do without that”. He criticised both parties for past illegalities, such as those at Armier (referring to the illegal boathouses)  and said that current wrongdoings should not be based on past ones.

Dr Azzopardi pointed out that he is in favour of the Three Cities being turned into a “university city”, however said that he also believes that some buildings, such as the administration building, could require large amounts of space which would most likely need to touch upon ODZ land.

He argued that currently, there are those who are pro-environment and pro-development who will not budge from their stance. He highlighted the idea of regenerating old sites and argued that he hopes the decision to build at Zonqor was not a way to repay Labour Party supporters.

“If it is Zonqor which truly is the only possible site, then the issue should be further discussed while keeping in mind the economic importance of this university,” he said.

Asked whether his statements can be seen as trying to appease both parties, he said that he is trying to see both perspectives and emerge with a compromise.

He argued that the PN is also doubting whether this is truly a university and said that if it follows regulations, then in this regard it should be fine.

Contacted, Dr Sammut said that she doesn’t feel she has to sign each and every statement or petition created at University, when asked why she had refrained from signing it.

Asked if she had received the request to sign the statement, she replied in the affirmative.

“I feel that the issue of Zonqor is a very complex one and it merits a lot of discussion at academic level before one signs such declarations. Not having signed the statement shouldn’t seem as some big sin when I have showed my strong feelings on other issues in the past,” she said.

Prof Darmanin asked whether she is obliged to sign the statement to which this newsroom replied nobody is, but The Malta Independent was merely carrying out an exercise to establish the truth. This prompted Prof Darmanin to say:  “So if you don’t mind, we will end this conversation here.”

Professor Carmel Borg could not be reached for a comment.

Following the publication of the article, Dr Andrew Azzopardi sent the following comment