During the past days, news of the alleged fraud, by the hand of MCAST Finance Manager Francine Farrugia made the rounds, sending commentators into frenzy. Given that Ms Farrugia was a somewhat active politician in her locality, having represented the Nationalist Party at the Siggiewi local council, government and the usual army of Labour trolls went into hyper drive to try to score cheap political points.
While the case remains under investigation, and all accused remain innocent until proven guilty, this is an opportunity for reflection, nevertheless, and an occasion to examine life in politics.
Most of us who choose this life, on both sides of the aisle, do it with the best intentions in our hearts. It is said time and time again how when one enters politics, one must wear a habit of service to others. We spend extended hours away from our loved ones, investing time and resources to work on legislation, reports, attending debates, meetings and reaching out to the electorate. Anything short of this is a recipe for disaster.
That is why when such news hits the air-waves it's obvious to feel betrayed and livid. Betrayed, because we try our best to be as close as possible to the communities who elect us, to understand what they are going through, and represent them in the best way possible. Livid because what was reported is the antithesis of what we believe in and work so tirelessly to eradicate from our society.
At the Public Accounts Committee, which I have the privilege to chair, we make it a point to scrutinise and hold government accountable to the last tax-payer euro, because we believe that public spending ought to be answerable to determinate principles of good governance.
That is why in moments like these, we must step up and show proper leadership. Our people expect to see the difference between the two parties. A difference between those who go through unbelievable lengths to hide and excuse such actions, and those who call a spade a spade and distance themselves from them.
Within hours of the news, Francine Farrugia resigned all her posts within the Nationalist Party, and that is good. That is the level of accountability that is expected of public servants. While we hope that investigations take place, and justice be served, however it is way more than can be said when similar accusations were levelled to other politically exposed persons. It took an extended legal crusade for certain actors to be removed from office, and to a certain extent justice is still pending.
But this isn't about Labour and its excesses. This is about Politics with a capital P.
Standards in politics must be much higher than those prescribed in the criminal code. While a private person has all the right to defend herself in front of the law, the political price must be paid without haste.
Because trust is a very valuable currency with which those in politics are bestowed, and it must never be squandered freely.
The electorate mustn't stay silent. The electorate must feel comfortable expecting the highest standards from its politicians. After all, they are elected to serve it, not the other way round.
Dr Darren Carabott is the Opposition's Shadow Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Reforms, and President of the Public Accounts Committee