In a recent interview, the President of the Republic of Malta Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca said she was hopeful that people would set their partisan interests aside during this moment of mourning when referring to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia. The President was right in her assessment but her counsel fell on deaf ears. The debate in the House was certainly not in any way unifying. On the contrary it was a debate which fuelled animosity further amongst supporters of different political parties.
Taking into account that the PN has suffered a drubbing at the polls in early June of this year and as yet the PN is still charting in turbulent waters the PN is no position to lead the islands in these tragic moments. As a matter of fact the PN is still trying to find ways to regroup. Until such time the PN cannot be positioned to reach the vast majority of the electorate and to set the national agenda. On the other hand the PL enjoys a strong electoral mandate. It is a clear electoral mandate which should not be questioned or challenged. What should be put under the magnifying glass is whether this administration has earned the right to steamroll on a wide range of concerns which are basic principles and values in a democratic society.
Last Friday Malta observed a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings were flown at half-mast. In the afternoon hundreds from different walks of life gathered in Mosta to pay their last respects to Daphne Caruana Galizia, at the Parish Church of the Assumption. The crowd erupted into a long round of applause when her coffin was carried shoulder high into the church. It was a moving service. People chanted “Daphne” - “Daphne” and “Justice” “Justice” once the coffin was placed in the hearse after the service.
During the funeral mass for slain journalist Daphne, in his homily, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna came across very strong. He urged those responsible for the assassination of Daphne to come forward. “We still do not know who killed Daphne. Whoever took part, in one way or another, in Daphne’s murder, I have this to tell you: However hard you try to evade from the justice of men, you will never escape from the justice of God. Repent before it is too late”. A very stern warning from the Church leader addressed to the assassin/s of Daphne. There is nothing to add.
The other issue on which the Archbishop delved was addressed towards the journalists, considered to be the fourth pillar in a healthy and a vibrant democracy “To you journalists, Daphne’s colleagues, I repeat what I have already told you: do not be afraid. I encourage you never to grow weary in your mission to be the eyes, the ears, and the mouth of the people. Do this without fear and with full respect of the truth. Dear journalists, we need you. We need people in your profession who are unshackled, who are free, intelligent, inquisitive, honest, serene, safe and protected”.
Both appeals albeit addressing on one hand the perpetrator /s responsible for the assassination of Daphne and the other towards journalists and the important role which the independent media plays in our community are heavily based on basic values which if adopted and embraced should make a difference in the daily lives of each and every citizen.
Without shadow of doubt the homily which was delivered by Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna was not inspired by most of the speeches delivered by the parliamentarians who participated in the debate in the House on Monday 30 October. Unfortunately, the debate in the House was neither productive or inspiring nor fruitful. The debate turned into a mudslinging exercise during which most of the parliamentarians resorted to speeches similar or quasi similar to a loose family feud. Our parliamentarians managed to turn the Renzo Piano Building into a slum with some resorting to shouting at the top of their voice while hurling and insinuating adjectives towards their political opponents.
Even in such a tragic situation, wherein a journalist had been assassinated our parliamentarians failed to rise to the occasion. Most failed to deliver food for thought speeches and to give comfort to the general public. At a time when our institutions are suffering from the basic necessary credentials the least one would have expected from our parliamentarians was an intelligent exchange of views in the House.
It could have been of great benefit to some of our parliamentarians to attend Daphne’s funeral service. They could have realised that their speeches in the House were completely out of place and did not serve the community one scintilla. They have lost a golden opportunity to listen to what the Archbishop had to say and to a larger extent appreciate the reaction of the congregation.
Gone are the days when politicians play demi-gods. Politicians are failing society and it is time to put their act together and putting it right has become a priority on the national agenda. Politicians must stop from their theatrics and start working hard towards the benefit of Malta. This small community deserves better. Economic prosperity is a must for our society to thrive and sustain the safety nets which are necessary to aid people in need and others. But economic growth is not the beginning and the end. Economic prosperity is important but this should not blind us. Our independent institutions should be able to give the necessary assurances to the community and take whatever action they may deem appropriate at the right time irrespective of his/her political affiliation. Economic boom would be of no use if our institutions fail to protect the common good.
I strongly believe that people have grown tired of partisan politics. It is time for civil society to take the lead and exercise pressure on our parliamentarians of whatever shade. It is time for politicians to give us back what is rightfully ours. Malta, a beautiful jewel in the Mediterranean belongs to us and I am sure that when push comes to shove civil society will stand up to be counted. The protection of the common good is not a monopoly of the politicians.
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