There is a feeling of disappointment and anger when reading the inquiry and seeing what took place in regard to those who were working at the Armed Forces of Malta Safi premises when the drug theft took place, Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said as he spoke in parliament on Tuesday.

Camilleri was referring to the soldiers who were meant to be responsible for watching over the premises when the container holding the seized drugs was opened and stolen from. The minister, referring to the inquiry report, said that those who were supposed to carry out certain work did not do so, which he added explained why alarms were not raised on time.

As he began addressing parliament, Camilleri remarked that he did not speak much during the period of the inquiry, adding that he was criticised for that decision.

He continued that there were many requests for him to speak during the period in question, but that he chose with responsibility not to comment as he felt that any additional word he could have said may have been considered an unnecessary comment rather than doing any good. He commented that it was better and more appropriate for him to step back, not comment, and let the inquiry’s work be carried out in serenity.

The minister stated that the inquiry has now been published, with the facts and recommendations being made public. “I now take the opportunity to speak and communicate with the Maltese and Gozitan people through this parliament.”

Camilleri commented that he understands that he has the obligation to speak appropriately so that he does not affect other procedures in any away, such as legal procedures or any other that may still be ongoing.

He said that when he offered to bear the political responsibility for the situation when he offered his resignation to the Prime Minister on the day that the theft was reported, Camilleri had felt it was appropriate for him to do so because a public life means that one should do what one believes is best.

Having said that, he remarked that he is content now that the truth has come out through the inquiry report.

Referring to a statement from the report, Camilleri said that the role of the minister is not to be involved in investigations or decide what security measures should be taken, but rather that the role of the minister is policy.

“I am content because today the inquiry has been clear about my role and shown that I acted correctly and with responsibility,” he added.

Camilleri said that the government has “invested a lot in the Armed Forces of Malta”. He continued that the government signed the first collective agreement for the AFM and gave new rights and salary increases. He said that he is satisfied that the government did this, and added that even if he is disappointed with what was shown in the inquiry, it should be remembered that many soldiers do good work each day.

“What I want to say is this - one case, or few cases, should not reflect on the work of many,” Camilleri commented.

The Home Affairs Minister concluded by saying that the recommendations of the report should all be looked at, and that it should be seen what actions are needed so that the people are better serviced.