The Opposition expressed it's "grave concern" at the news that the Government is seeking to purchase hacking technology that enables it to spy on citizens' private emails and internet activity.

"This is not what the people were promised. People do not want a big brother Government that spies on them. And the Opposition will give a voice to people's concerns".

"The Government has a track record of doing things in secret. Whether it is its secret deals with the Żonqor developers, with Electrogas, with Azerbaijan's SOCAR or with Henley & Partners, it always operates in secrecy. Even PL Deputy Leader Toni Abela admitted that the Government is making people rich by operating in secrecy. Now it wants to spy on citizens. There are fundamental freedoms at stake, such as the right to privacy. And the Opposition will defend fundamental freedoms". 

The Opposition called on the Prime Minister to explain who gave the authorisation for the Malta Security Service to buy hacking technology for the Government of Malta.

Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil said: "I expect the Prime Minister to come clean, and publicly explain what he is doing and why. He must also explain his personal involvement in this affair."

Dr Busuttil stated that whilst the public deserved an immediate explanation, he will raise this issue at the next meeting of the Security Committee which has been scheduled for Monday July 20.

An article published today reported that the Malta Secret Service sought to use the services of a controversial hacking company linked to several repressive regimes.

The article read that 2 officials from the Malta Security Service met with the hacking company's representatives last month in Prague over a potential €600,000 agreement to use the company's spying technology in Malta.