Nationalist Party MP Karol Aquilina agreed to withdraw comments he had made towards the Speaker during the 25 February parliamentary session.

The request for a ruling was made by Labour Party MP and Government Whip Naomi Cachia, who had requested that the Chair take the steps it feels necessary in regard to Aquilina's comments. Cachia had also said that she was expressing solidarity with the Speaker, who she said had been "the target of attacks by those who have no respect for this Chamber and much less for the Maltese people".

Cachia had continued that she was particularly referring to comments made by Aquilina towards the Speaker, "when he said words such as 'blatant', 'obscene', 'should sit on the government's side', and 'mindless today'". She remarked that she was ashamed to repeat the words, but did so for "the sake of accountability".

During Thursday's parliamentary session, Speaker Anglu Farrugia said that he understands and appreciates the concern regarding certain remarks made directed towards the Chair. Farrugia continued that it is certain that words were used which "are not associated with honourable behaviour". He added that "on the contrary, it is speech that does no good for the very person who utters it".

The Speaker then asked Aquilina to either withdraw his comments addressed towards him, and added that in the event that the comments are withdrawn, then the ruling would stop there to the satisfaction of the Chair. Farrugia added that if the comments were not withdrawn, then there would be no option other than to censure Farrugia and consider the steps to be taken at a later stage.

Responding to this, Aquilina withdrew his comments.