Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil today called for a public inquiry over the visa and residency permit scam which saw former Labour treasurer and candidate Joe Sammut charged in court, but in a quick reply, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that he will wait until the end of the investigations and court procedures to make a decision.
Speaking to journalists at the end of a two-and-a-half hour meeting of the country’s security committee at Castille, which was presided by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Dr Busuttil said that at the end of the meeting he still had the same concerns he had before walking into the meeting.
Asked what was discussed during the meeting, Dr Busuttil said that the discussion was confidential but it left him with the same concerns he had before.
"I expressed my concerns and I insisted with the Prime Minister on the need to hold a public inquiry so that everyone can know what is wrong and how this can be fixed."
In his comments, Dr Muscat said he had taken note of the suggestion made by Dr Busuttil but he will wait out the end of thecurrent investigations as well as the court proceedings.
He said that the arraignment of Mr Sammut was a result of initiatives taken by Identity Malta and the Employment and Training Corporation.
He said there were other ongoing investigations and, in one case, another person had been taken to court. "Once all procedures in all cases are concluded I am willing to hold the necessary procedures, including an inquiry." Dr Muscat did not reply when asked if the inquiry would be held soon.
Accountant Joe Sammut is out on bail after he pleaded not guilty to a string of charges including fraud, misappropriation of funds, money laundering and the falsification of documents.
Mr Sammut, 58, from St Paul’s Bay, was allegedly helping Libyans obtain residence permits by creating fictitious companies. Investigators looked into hundreds of companies he helped set up before pressing charges against him.
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela, Police Commissioner Michael Cassar and Foreign Affairs Minister George Vella also attended today's meeting.
Video: Jonathan Borg