Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi stuck to his position in spite of his being mentioned in a worldwide probe which exposed global array of crime and corruption.

In a statement, Dr Mizzi said that the Panana Papers confirm how "truthful" he was about his Panama company, which he said it still open.

This is his statement:

"Following the Panama Leaks tonight, it transpires that my version of events, including disclosure, were truthful.

"The Trust and related documents published have been made available to journalists from the very start and the structure was always intended as a family trust for assets and investments. 

"Contrary to other hundreds of persons mentioned, these leaks make no reference to any funds held by me.  This confirms my version of events from the very beginning; that is that there are no funds and bank accounts held by these structures.

"With regards to reports that there were attempts by the service provider to open a bank account, this was part of the service that was offered to me.  Nevertheless, as a state of fact confirmed by the reports, I did not pursue this option and never opened any account either in Dubai, Panama or elsewhere. I also notified the establishment of the structure in my draft Ministerial Declaration of Assets submission for 2015.

"Irrespective of all this, I will continue pursuing the tax investigation and an independent audit to further prove what I have been stating consistently from the beginning. The company in Panama will be closed soon after the tax investigation is concluded."