The Chamber of Commerce has urged Principal Permanent Secretary Mario Cutajar to “take the undisputable high ground” and lead by example after his brother was arraigned on money laundering charges.

Aldo Cutajar, Malta’s Consul to Shanghai, was arraigned on Sunday after half a million euro in cash were found at his home during a police raid.

The head of the civil service, Mario Cutajar, is facing pressure to resign after it emerged that his brother had been convicted of misappropriating public funds in 2005. He was given a perpetual interdiction which was, however, revoked a few months later.

“The Chamber has consistently advocated the strengthening of the three main pillars of good governance namely: (1) accountability, (2) transparency and (3) the rule of law. In this light, it expects complete integrity in all persons serving in public office, whether elected or appointed. They must lead by example and take the indisputable moral high ground where legitimate concerns and/or doubts concerning their conduct or behaviour are raised,” the Chamber said.

It said it was left “perturbed” by news emerging on Sunday that a government official was reportedly re-instated to the civil service after being convicted of fraud and interdicted.

“Such revelations on Sunday followed from news that the public officer in question was charged in Court for money laundering together with his wife. Of additional concern to the Chamber was the fact that the public officer in question is the brother of the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.”

The Chamber said it had taken note of the declaration made by Cutajar distancing himself from the alleged actions of his immediate relative.

“However, while it is certainly not accusing Mr Cutajar of any wrong doing, highest ethical standards for which the Chamber strives for, demand actions that are exemplary and correct in the interest and expectation of any well-meaning citizen. Business expects nothing less from any other CEO in the private sector.”

The Chamber recommended that the Head of the Civil Service to “do the right thing in the interest of Good Governance and for the country to ensure that all individuals serving in public office, whether elected or appointed are, in fact, persons of integrity, lead by example, and take the indisputable moral high ground where legitimate doubts or concerns arise.”