Speaker Anglu Farrugia gave a ruling in Parliament, sending a strong message of condemnation of any unparliamentary behaviour or actions, after PN MP Karol Aquilina requested a breach of privilege against Prime Minister Robert Abela, denying he ever laughed at Labour MP Carmelo Abela.

Farrugia gave a ruling on Monday with regards to last week’s sitting during a debate over the controversial proposals for the magisterial inquiry reform.

In a heated debate, Prime Minister Abela spoke of MP Carmelo Abela’s struggles, when he was falsely accused of being an accomplice in a bank heist. He said that Aquilina had laughed at him as Abela was emotionally speaking in Parliament.

Aquilina proceeded to request a breach of privilege, and categorically denied ever laughing at MP Abela, and said the Prime Minister was "lying," where Abela then condemned Aquilina for failing to apologize.

Farrugia quoted several ordinances on parliamentary behaviour which offend, insult or show a lack of respect towards other members of the House.

He, however, said he cannot take on Aquilina’s request as there is no way the House can verify the facts, given also that the camera was on MP Abela as he made his speech, save for a few minutes where the Speaker intervened.

Farrugia said the House was not in a position to confirm Aquilina’s request, however, pointed out that during the sitting, the Speaker had to intervene consistently on certain behaviour, even leading to the suspension of the sitting.

Farrugia said that it is the Speaker’s duty to condemn any action or discourse which does not respect the House, and that debates must always be civil, so that the discussion continues, especially now that sittings are broadcast to the public.

He said that the ruling, as a remedy itself, sends a strong message on proper parliamentary behaviour.