In light of allegations of institutionalised corruption, the government chooses to remain silent, Deputy Leader Beppe Fenech Adami said this afternoon.

Yesterday, former treasurer and candidate of the Labour Party Joe Sammut, was arraigned in court, charged with fraud, misappropriation of funds, money laundering and falsification of documents.  It is alleged that the accountant helped Libyans obtain residence permits by creating fictitious companies, with investigators having looked into almost 800 companies he helped set up.

“The country has become riddled with corruption and criminality and the government chooses to ignore it completely. I would have expected some form of denial or reaction to the news from the Labour Party,” Dr Fenech Adami said, addressing a press conference.

He questioned why Minister for Home Affairs Carmelo Abela, in charge of Identity Malta, chose to remain silent about the issuing of several residency permits by Mr Sammut.

Shadow Minister for the Economy Claudio Grech said that such a situation needs to be addressed immediately, because it poses a bad light on our country.

“The national interest needs to remain the top priority and the foundations built by the previous administration need to be properly maintained.  The island depends on foreign investment and shareholders could be concerned that they will be negatively impacted by such situation,” he said.

Economy Minister Chris Cardona needs to make an official statement, explaining the action being taken against institutionalised corruption and the prevention measures to be taken, the shadow minister continued.

PN's treasurer Alex Perici Calascione highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that the companies in question had a collective share of assets worth over €80 million.  “It is clear that the adequate due diligence was not carried out and the fact that the government is choosing to remain silent is preoccupying,” the treasurer said.

Labour Party reacts

In a reaction, the Labour Party hit out at the PN for being negative and for attempting to tarnish the reputation of politics.

The Labour Party is proud of the government and authorities for choosing to take action  in the light of allegations, the statement said. The PN better look around them and note what one of their own, Jason Azzopardi, said about dirty politics, the PL said.