Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds Chris Bonett said that the media and independent candidate Arnold Cassola should "check the facts" as he "did nothing wrong" by taking his family on holiday abroad in his ministerial car.

A few weeks ago, The Shift News released a story that Bonett was spotted queuing in Pozzallo, Sicily, in the ministerial car while waiting for the catamaran to return to Malta. Bonett and his family were inside the car with the junior Minister behind the wheel.

After this news was released, Cassola asked the "future" standards commissioner to investigate Bonett. The standards commissioner is still to be appointed after George Hyzler left the post to be appointed as Malta's representative on the European Court of Auditors.

Asked about Cassola's request for an investigation, Bonett replied: "I look forward to it actually, because I know I did nothing wrong."

"Anyone who reads the rules, the manuals, code of ethics can see that the car has been used properly," Bonett said.

When pressed he said: "Check the rules, check the manuals. There was an allegation made against me, no one dared to check the facts on how I use that car, and I invite everyone especially the media to check the facts before writing articles. I invite also Professor Cassola to do so."

Cassola had previously said that if the minister did use his car abroad, that this would be a grievous breach of ethics and a serious act of ministerial impunity as the car, which is publicly-owned, was used for a private purpose.

Cassola had also asked whether the fleet of cars used by members of the Cabinet are insured when they are taken abroad for leisure and private business.

In reply on Facebook, Cassola, tongue in cheek, said that Malta must have the most progressive ministerial code in Europe. "What plans for next holiday abroad in ministerial car, Ministru?", Cassola said.