Prime Minister Joseph Muscat has called out MP Jason Azzopardi for using allegations made by foreign media houses and parliamentary privilege to play a political game.

Asked by The Malta Independent to comment on Azzopardi naming a police sergeant, who, according to his sources, had tipped off the three men accused of the journalist's murder of their impending arrest,  and his allegations that this formed part of a wider cover-up involving the Police Commissioner, and by extension the government itself, Muscat said:

"I think the game that initially you go to speak to foreign media houses, and then you go quote them just to say that 'I am not saying that' but media houses are, to supplement your argument, while under the protection of parliamentary privilege. I think one realises what kind of game is trying to be played."

"The Police statement was very clear in denying the allegation, and I do not believe I have anything to add. I don't think that there has been a precedent for the Maltese Security Services to release a statement like that," he said.

'You should see who was an employee at his think-tank' - Muscat on IIP client's Russian spy allegations

The PM was also asked about accusations by the UK's House of Commons that Christopher Chandler, a now Maltese citizen through the IIP program, was a suspected Russian agent with links to money-laundering; and whether this raised concerns over the due diligence and security of the cash-for-passports scheme.

A New Zealand-born billionaire, Chandler is behind the London Based think-tank Legatum, which has been one of the most vocal campaigners for Britain's exit from

In a short reply, Muscat said "I am very sure that if you did some research you will see who was an employee with his think tank," in a what could possibly be a reference to Paul Caruana Galizia, the son of the assassinated journalist, who had previously written a report for Legatum.

"There is a very interesting story you could investigate."

Muscat was also asked about his lack of mention of any of 'The Daphne Project' revelations during the Workers' Day celebrations in Valletta, he said that he addressed the claims in the past and did not wish to include them in the celebrations.

Told that he had merely said that he could not comment directly because of the magisterial inquiries that are underway, except for the cases involving himself, Muscat said he "comments about [his case] for the simple reason that the false allegation made against me was a principle issue in the general election," and that he was bound by self-respect to protect his family and himself.