Parliamentary Secretary Alex Muscat has withdrawn comments he had passed with regard to PN MP Karol Aqulina, after being cautioned by Speaker Anglu Farrugia.

During a sitting of the Public Accounts Committee last month, Muscat had accused Aquilina of sending his brother to threaten MPs during the protests that took place last year.

Muscat’s comments came after Aquilina accused the Parliamentary Secretary of having defended corrupt ministers.

Aquilina later asked the Speaker to censure Muscat.

In Parliament on Monday, Muscat said he had seen Aquilina’s brother wearing an earpiece and said the man looked like he was receiving instructions from someone. The PS said he assumed that he had been sent by Aquilina.

Muscat said he would give his colleague the benefit of the doubt, and the Speaker took this as a sign that the PS was withdrawing his comment.

Farrugia again insisted that MPs respect each other and observe House rules.