A board that was appointed to investigate sexual harassment claims at the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) has suspended its investigation, following police involvement in the case, a source close to the orchestra told The Malta Independent.

The sexual harassment allegations emerged in a resignation letter from an employee who decided to seek alternative employment. In the letter, she said that she was subjected to sexual harassment.

Upon receipt of the letter, the setting up of a board to look into the matter was requested by the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, the source said. The board, which the source said is an external board, was set up by the People and Standards Division and is composed of a retired public officer, a lawyer and a psychologist.

Now however, the board proceedings are on hold, temporarily, at the request of the police so as not to prejudice their (the police's) investigation, the source said.

The Times of Malta had reported that in the resignation letter, the former employee did not mention who was behind the harassment. It reported,that the former employee had held discussions with the orchestra's chief executive Sigmund Mifsud about the incidents and had requested a year unpaid leave to regain her health and seek alternative employment. It reported that this did not happen and she left. The report read that she still thanked Mifsud for having given her the "precious opportunity" to work for the orchestra.