Labour MP Silvio Grixti has resigned from parliament after being interrogated by the police, MaltaToday reports.

Speaker Anglu Farrugia told The Malta Independent that Grixti had communicated his wish to resign but must now do so officially, in writing. The letter must be handwritten and delivered personally.

MaltaToday reported that Grixti, a medical doctor, has been released on police bail.

The nature of the police investigation is unknown although it could be linked to the fraudulent signing of sick certificates according to reports. The Police Force would not confirm however, and when asked a police spokesperson said: "In view of Art 38 of S.L 586.08 and Art 87 of Chap 164 of the Laws of Malta, the Police are not in a position to confirm or otherwise such information." 

Grixti told MaltaToday that he was indisposed when the newsroom contacted him for comment.

His lawyers, Franco Debono and Arthur Azzopardi, said their client did not wish to comment.

In a short post on Facebook, Grixti said that his priorities in the coming future go beyond political life, "which is why I informed the Prime Minister that I will be resigning as an MP."

"I don't want to occupy a Parliamentary seat during a period when I cannot be 100% focused on representing my constituents and patients who are so close to my heart, who I respect so much and who also respect me back."

"I helped and will continue to help through my profession, people and patients from every locality who would be in need. There is no doubt that the country needs the Labour Party and Prime Minister Robert Abela to continue to lead it forward," he said.

Grixti was elected to Parliament for the first time in 2017 on the third district. He was also the Chairman of the Health Committee in Parliament.