Comparisons are odious, but there is no other instrument to measure the trust rating between the leading political parties, their respective leaders and their style of leadership.  Surveys indicate the likelihood, though without certainty, that the result from a sample is close to the number one would get if the whole population had been queried. With the general election months away, we have to content ourselves with surveys.  However, knowing that a week is a long time in politics, nothing is lost or won on either end of the political spectrum.  

Lately, a wider stream of people who are infuriated, shocked or disappointed, have gone silent.  Political parties should be apprehensive of this silent, killer message.   Irrespective on which side of the political fence one may prefer to sit on, the general public is outraged with the Gaffarena scandal.  As if this was not bad enough, to add fuel to the already blazing fire, former Parliamentary Secretary Michael Falzon participated in a one-to-one interview on Xarabank last Friday.   He was very ill counselled to accept.  It was not wise of Dr Falzon to try to swim with his hands tied behind his back.  He was a completely different person to the Michael many people know.  

The interview did not go Dr Falzon’s way.  

He was emotional and looked deeply hurt.  He may have gained the support of the PL hard-core, but he did not fare well with the viewers when he was pressed for answers.  He failed to give adequate replies.  He was not capable to give straight, telegraphic answers.  Pointing fingers at others did not help him right the wrongs. 

However, without going into the merits of the scandal, Dr Falzon ultimately shouldered his political responsibility.  Admittedly, it is a huge step forward in the local political scenario.  Dr Falzon, a seasoned lawyer and a politician with a wealth of experience in the political arena under his belt, should have stuck to his resignation and left the stage.

This could have limited the damage in terms of Dr Falzon’s political credentials.   

During the interview, some of Dr Falzon’s comments jarred, but one rattled more than others.  He asserted that during his tenure of office, he had an open-door policy.  That is expected. To my mind a minister, a parliamentary secretary or a public office holder is expected to be a loyal servant to society, irrespective of the political party he or she supports or from which locality or electoral district they come from.  

There should be no credit for serving the people.           

Although both Dr Manuel Mallia and Dr Falzon have failed in their ministerial duties, the Prime Minister did not stop short from whole-heartedly and from the bottom of his heart thanking them both for serving for a while during this turbulent legislature. This leaves the door ajar for both gentlemen to be returned to office.

The writing is on the wall.     

At least, that’s my opinion.

But while our political parties continue to stir filth in our small world, the rest go on.  Pete Swabey, senior editor at The Economist Intelligence Unit, recently confided that senior executives in the healthcare professions are to benefit most from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  When senior executives were asked which sectors were most likely to benefit from the fourth industrial revolution, the health care emerged as the frontrunner, supported by 45% of those interviewed. This was followed by the finance and energy sectors, with 15%.   

However, although the healthcare sector is best placed to benefit from the merging digital, biological and physical systems, it is among the least prepared.  The potential for merging the three systems has far-reaching benefits for healthcare provision. More consumers are making use of their smartphones, collecting data about a wide range of issues.  This information has the potential to transform individual health care. An EIU study found that 50% of doctors believe mobile technology will allow patients to participate more proactively in their own care in the next five years.  

Of course, such a profound revolution will force healthcare providers to substantially adapt their working practices. Unfortunately, the same report also reveals that fewer than one in four healthcare executives believe they are either ‘fairly’ or ‘very’ well prepared for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.  

Perhaps our politicians can channel their energy and time, and public funds, on improving the quality of life through advanced technologies in the medical field.  People should not have to rely on handouts from donations made to l-iStrina.

Politicians should at all times strive to improve the quality of life of people. Stamping-out corruption in all forms should be a priority to one and all.  This can be ascertained by a high level of political correctness and ethical standards.

May others learn the lesson.        

Gejtu Vella

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