"48 hours have now passed since the former PL treasurer was arraigned in Court, accused of fraud, forgery and misappropriation. However, Joseph Muscat - both in his role as Prime Minister and as party leader - has chosen to be silent," the PN said today.
"Likewise, all Ministers responsible for the agencies and departments in which such illegal acts have allegedly taken place - Carmelo Abela, Edward Scicluna and Chris Cardona - have also chosen to remain silent.
This silence is a cause of concern in a democracy that is supposed to be based on the rule of law.
A Prime Minister cannot hide behind a statement issued by Identity Malta, but must ensure that our country’s public institutions function effectively and are not tainted by corruption. Likewise, he must ensure that our country’s repute is not tarnished by such cases.
The granting of visas and residence permits also has national security implications. In its statement late last night, Identity Malta, led by former PL candidate Joe Vella Bonnici and whose extended family has all been put on the public payroll, claimed that the agency “withdraws applications which are confirmed to contain false information.” In view of this statement, the Opposition is asking for a clear statement by the Prime Minister on how many visis and residence permits have been withdrawn.
The Maltese public has the right to know what is happening in the country’s public institutions. Joseph Muscat can’t remain silent and continue to undermine trust in public institutions. He must show commitment to stamp out institutionalised corruption."
Labour Party says government will continue to fight corruption
During its 25-year tenure, the PN hardly put its words into action, the PL said in a statement.
In a spate of two years, under a PL government, the husband of a former minister was taken to court and charged with fraud, the PL said, referring to the case of the husband of former PN minister Giovanna Debono. The PL also said that steps were also taken against police officers – cases which were swept under the carpet by the previous government.
A PL government also introduced the Whistleblower’s Act, the Party Financing Law and removed the prescription on acts of political corruption.
There is no doubt that the government will continue to put its words into action and continue to fight corruption, the PL said.