This is not the time to put thepolitical blinkers on. Nor is it the time to get tribal orparochial. This is no party time.  The national interest and the common good are by far greater than the perennial issues on which political parties cross swords. 

It is time to have a hard look at the functions and responsibilities of our institutions, which seemingly failed to carry out their duties in the face of the serious allegations of corruption thathave surfaced in which the Prime Minister, his spouse and senior ranking officials are embroiled in. The allegations are very serious and half-baked measures are not the solutions.

Proper and timely measures are required to iron out these serious claims.  Unless addressed swiftly, efficiently and in a transparent manner,these allegations are putting thousands of workers, particularly those engaged directly in the financial sector, but not exclusively, in jeopardy.  Only bold,concrete actions will safeguardMalta’s credibility. 

But before I move on, I must make it very clear that it would be wrong to label all politicians corrupt.  The genuine efforts of many upright politicians, well prepared to serve the common good,should not go unrecognised. Indeed, the former PL whip’sresignationletter to the Prime Minister is testimony to my point. Like Dr Godfrey Farrugia, there might be others who on other occasions have publicly demonstrated that they do not share the position taken by the Prime Minister since the Panama Papers scandal surfaced. May they have the courage to follow the footsteps of Dr Farrugia.Such politicians should be credited and supported for their genuine efforts. Only corrupt politicians should be kicked out or forced to resign.

The earlier these allegedly corrupt politicians and their acolytes leave centre stage, the better it would be for their benefit,  for that of our society and not least for their own political party which they have unashamedly betrayed.

Here I want to throw another component into the equation. If the alleged cases of corruption are not addressed appositely,these will create ample space for far-right-wingers and populists politicians to sow the seeds against the establishment, destabilising the checks and balances that ensuregood governance.   Right-wingers will capitalise on theserevelationsand gain support from a disappointed electorate.  This risk is a responsibility that should also be borne by allegedly corrupt politicians.

I am writing this piece on the eve of Workers’ Day.  Of course, well before the Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat and Dr Simon Busuttil, Leader of the Opposition addressed the large crowds gathered in Valletta and at St. Julian’s respectively to mark Workers’ Day.  Writing before an event of significance is a calculated risk which I am willing to take.  There is no need for me to describe how the events went yesterday, as I am sure there are extensive write-ups in most of our dailies.  Photographs displaying the huge crowds will also feature prominently in the media.

But unless Prime Minister Dr Muscat has, with a considerable doze of public speaking oratory, conveyed to the faithful PL supporters that he is stepping aside until his name and that of his spouse are cleared from the serious allegations that has surfaced, I am afraid that people have to continue to vent their frustration in yet other demonstration.  All political rhetoric of improved standard of living and better quality of life have no significance if these Islands are allowed to be run by allegedly corrupt politicians, aided by corrupt businessmen.

Let me be crystal clear, this is not a matter of a change in government.  That will be decided by the electorate once a caretaker Prime Minister from the PL folds calls a general election.  What is of paramount importance to restore normality is for the Prime Minister, his Chief of Staff and Minister Konrad Mizzi to hand in their resignation, and for the competent authorities to delve deeply into the corruption allegations without fear or favour.     

Our national anthem in the form of a prayer was composed by Robert Samut and the lyrics penned by Dun Karm Psaila.   The Maltese government declared the prayer to God as the official Maltese anthem on 22 February 1941.  The National Anthem of Malta was entrenched in the 1964 Independence Constitution and today is one of the symbols of our identity. In both the national anthem, and at a later stage in the Constitution, workers’ dignity and their rights were enshrined and preserved.  Since 1941, workers’ rights were portrayed as one of the major pillars in our small society.

In this regard, the efforts of all workers should not go by unnoticed and discredited because of the greed of politicians, who led people to believe that they have the national good at heart. Undoubtedly, many of those who on Workers’ Day attended any one of the political manifestations in Valletta and St Julian’s were workers. Audibly, those at Valletta chanted Joseph, Joseph. But perhaps, in their heart of hearts, it was more mayday, mayday.  Those in St Julian’s clamoured for a new beginning.

Hopefully, the distress calls will not go unheeded.

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