The Nationalist Party motion calling for a public inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia will be debated in Parliament on Thursday but, unlike other similar occasions, a vote will not be taken on the day.

PN whip Robert Cutajar told The Malta Independent that the government has turned down the Opposition’s request for a vote to be taken soon after the debate is concluded, as is normal practice.

No date has as yet been officially registered in Parliament, but it is likely that the vote will be taken on Wednesday, which could possibly be the last day of parliamentary sessions before it rises for the summer recess.

The PN is using its allotted session to put forward its motion after the government has persistently rejected calls to set up a public inquiry into the death of Sofia.

The youngster, aged 20, died when a building under construction in Kordin collapsed on 2 December. His mother, Isabelle Bonnici, has been calling for a public inquiry into the death for months, backed by the PN. But the government has so far rejected the idea, with Prime Minister Robert Abela insisting that a magisterial inquiry is enough.

Abela has criticised the delay in the conclusion of the magisterial inquiry, and in April went as far as writing to the Chief Justice to urge him to see that the inquiry is concluded “as soon as possible”. For its part, the PN has repeatedly said that Abela’s reluctance to set up a public inquiry raises more suspicions that there is something to hide.

Sources close to the government have told The Malta Independent that some Labour MPs, including ministers, are uncomfortable voting against the PN motion.

Bonnici has written on social media that she is personally contacting MPs urging them to vote in favour of the motion. She is insisting that they vote “with their conscience” and should not be afraid to stand up for what is right. She said that she will also be delivering a letter to all MPs before Wednesday’s session.