The Planning Authority (PA) regulations governing the controversial Qala permit decision are wrong, or not clear, Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat said during a political activity, on Sunday morning, in Nadur, Gozo. 

Speaking about the PA's decision, last Thursday, to allow dilapidated rooms in a pristine area of Qala to be turned into a villa with a swimming pool, Muscat said he does not understand the decision. 

He continued to add that he did not understand why such a decision was taken not because it was technically incorrect, since the way the permit was issued was according to the regulations, but that the regulations are wrong or not clear.

Muscat also noted that the PA was insensitive when issuing this permit. He added that he spoke to Minister Ian Borg about the matter and asked him to change the policy which led to this decision, and furthermore, why it had not yet been changed.

It appears, according to Muscat, that Borg had already asked for the policy to be changed, and internal discussions, including the Opposition and NGOs, had been ongoing for a year and a half.

The Minister also sent a formal request, according to the law, about a month ago, to change the policy. Having said this, Muscat noted that in hindsight a lot can be said.

He also noted that the PA is an independent authority, which takes independent decisions, so it is unfortunate that the government gets the blame.

The regulating authorities should take this as a lesson, Muscat added, noting that it is not about checking boxes according to the law, but also about moral sensitivity. 

He noted that the NGOs spoke out about the Qala decisions, as well as the local council and the Church, commenting that they did well to speak out. Muscat continued to add that the Church must speak out about such crucial issues.

Following from this point, Muscat said that the Church is also obliged to speak about those amongst us who breed racial hatred. He noted that he spoke to the Archbishop about this and expressed his disappointment that nothing was done.

Muscat also added that the Church and state do not have roles which are conflicting but rather are complementary. 

Speaking about the Gozo tunnel, Muscat once again assured his listeners that it will be implemented, adding that it will be done with ecological, cultural, economic and social sensitivity.

Switching electrical source, six or seven years ago, was one of the important decisions taken by this goverment, Muscat noted, saying that just this week the benefits are been reaped. 

Data issued by the EU put Malta in fourth place as having the lowest electricity bills amongst the member states. Although he noted that the use of energy is increasing, due to the increasing economy and the increase in renewable energy sources, Malta pays less than the EU average because of the decision made.

Decisions were also made on how Malta's income could be generated, Muscat said, adding that this is needed to increase pensions, for example.

"The ones before us used to think that to get more money you have to increase taxes, taking more than giving. This government is doing the opposite, giving more and taking near to nothing," Muscat said.

He also noted that Malta is the sixth country in the EU with the least taxes, and despite this we are still amongst the top countries with the lowest energy bills, increasing pensions, increasing free medicine, free childcare education services including tablets being given to children, free transport for elderly, youths and those with a disability, as well as increasing infrastructure. 

Investment in infrastructure in other countries is done when the private sector is not investing, to kickstart the economy, Muscat explained. "We are doing it the other way round. We inherited the deficit in infrastructure but we have such a good economy that the infrastructure is not enough and although the private sector is doing well, we are investing in it."

Mentioning the first flyover concluded in the Marsa junction, Muscat said that it was used by approximately by half a million vehicles since its opening, resulting in 11,000 hours reduction in traffic. 

Muscat also mentioned that new quality jobs will be available for youths in a new industry involving the leasing of aeroplanes, with more details to be provided by the end of the year.