Dr Konrad Mizzi, Minister for Energy and Health and Deputy Leader of the Labour Party is projected as a rising star. However, the string of news in which Dr Konrad Mizzi is netted is not allowing the PL propaganda machine to portray him as a successful minister. With a shell company in Panama - a well-known tax haven - and a trust in New Zealand, Dr Mizzi is in fix. This news has stunned many.
Dr Mizzi should, for his sake, that of his family, the position he holds in Cabinet, the senior post he carries in the PL, the credibility of all politicians and, more importantly, for the sake of transparency and accountability, take the honourable decision. The pertinent question which needs to be addressed is why Dr Mizzi has picked Panama, a black-listed country by the European Union, to set up a shell company to look after his family’s funds and assets.
Make no mistake, something is not right and proper.
The allegations in Dr Mizzi’s case are a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the regulatory independent bodies. If not, do not be surprised that one day we might wake up and find that this small nation is run by a group of wheeler-dealers, with strong underground filthy business connections. When in the past years various political blunders came to light, we thought that we had then hit rock bottom. Unfortunately, we have sunk lower day by day in these last three short years.
How time flies!
Indeed, today my frail mother turns 81. Yes, she has changed in more ways than one, but she is still the loving and caring mother I knew when I was a child. I will not derail.
I am certain many readers recall the socio-economic developments achieved under different administrations since Malta gained Independence. The fruition of Independence reached maturity when Malta joined the European Union. It was never an easy ride. Unfortunately, at times we even shoot ourselves in the foot. Even the national good was shelved for parochial interests. Back then, to add insult to injury, a crowd of mobsters in dark uniforms and at other times in boiler-suits, were allowed to take charge of the streets to silence the loud voice of the dissenting crowds. Our society stumbled and almost crushed, while our socio-economic development was arrested.
In previous legislatures, a number of politicians were embroiled in serious cases of alleged corruption, nepotism and arrogance. There were times when blinkered, self-centred politicians failed in their duties but their ties, hold and connections within their political grouping were very strong and therefore could not be easily removed. Whether Dr Mizzi has similar connections within the PL is too early to conclude. Nonetheless, it was wrong then much as it is today.
But is it not ironic that a couple of days before the Dr Mizzi shell company and trust surfaced in the media, Mr Joe Debono Grech MP addressed the PL supporters in Zurrieq. Mr Debono Grech, a veteran PL MP, a passionate supporter of Birkirkara, a devotee of St Helen and renowned for his fiery speeches, was called to address a PL crowd of supporters. During his speech, Mr Debono Grech took exception at the growing number of disgruntled PL supporters and urged them to stop moaning. He assured those present that their claims will be addressed, but he cautioned the edgy and irked audience to be patient.
But, perhaps, what made interesting reading was not Mr Debono Grech’s speech, but the comments posted on the on-line newspapers web-portals, including those on the iNewsMalta.com site, a PL-leaning news web-portal. Most of the comments where negative and admonished Mr. Debono Grech for his speech. Some comments were cruel, and challenged Mr Debono Grech on the two-speed approaches adopted by the PL to address grievances and injustices - one, a very fast-speed and very lucrative approach for the few, and another dead-slow process for the rest. The PL, perceived to be close to workers and social justice, has in a short span of time turned into an elite political party for the few, leaving the others in the cold.
Whether Mr Debono Grech was aware of Dr Mizzi’s shell company and trust in a black-listed country is not as yet made public, nor is it known whether Mr Debono Grech, with his husky voice, has told Dr Mizzi where to get off once these were revealed. As we do not have the facts, you can draw your own conclusions.
No wonder more PL supporters are getting cold feet.
[email protected]