Chairman of UNESCO National Commission in Malta, Professor Henry Frendo noted that "the UNESCO National Commission, which represents UNESCO in Malta, was in no way involved in this monument project at any time."

Professor Frendo is speaking about the controversial Sri Chinmoy monument which was erected last week in Sliema. Chinmoy was a self-proclaimed guru who has been described as a champion for peace, having a large following of thousands of people. He promoted meditation, "self-realisation" and "oneness."

The reason why the statue has become rather infamous in the last days  was due to a number of reports coming to the forefront about how Mr Chinmoy allegedly abused female followers by asking them to perform sexual acts. Others questioned his legitimacy by also discussing his financial standing and various properties.