PN MP Rebekah Borg has called for a more professional and effective Parliament, arguing that full-time roles, better pay, and proper resources are essential if MPs are to serve the public independently and competently.

In a post on Facebook, Borg expressed her support for several long-debated proposals: making MPs full-time, reducing the size of Parliament, raising salaries, increasing technical competence among politicians, and doing more to ensure that women's participation is meaningful and not merely symbolic.

"Full-time MPs? Yes. Smaller Parliament? Yes. More women in Parliament? Yes. More competent people in Parliament? Yes. Better salaries? Yes," she wrote.

Borg said that the job of an MP must be rooted in facts and research, and while Ministers have access to large teams of advisors and assistants, MPs often have to rely solely on themselves or the voluntary help of others.

"No one is an expert in everything and time is limited. With better tools, we can work better," Borg said.

She said that beyond improved salaries, MPs need proper resources to carry out their duties effectively. Without them, she warned, the risk of compromise increases.

"Every MP should be able to serve independently, without relying on other jobs, external relationships, or favours. Loyalty should only be to the people," Borg said.

Borg also spoke of the need for greater technical competence in Parliament, saying that MPs and Ministers must truly understand the sectors they speak for.

"A Parliament with amateurish conditions creates a perfect climate for mediocrity and holds back those who genuinely have something to offer," she said.

On women in politics, Borg said numbers alone are not enough.

"If we really want to see more women in politics, we have to be honest. Presence must be natural, not symbolic," Borg said.

Currently, she said that politicians must juggle the demanding responsibilities of being an MP, managing family duties, and holding down a full-time job.

"Making the MP role a full-time one would allow women, and men, to contribute more meaningfully to national life while still having time for family. If being an MP becomes a full-time role, you can give a lot more and still have essential time with your family," she said.