While Malta's economy continues to grow, deep-rooted challenges - from bureaucracy, to clientelism and weak governance - are undermining the country's long-term competitiveness, CEO of The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry Marthese Portelli told The Malta Independent on Sunday during an interview.

These are serious issues that are often spoken about.

When it comes to tackling corruption, the government's move to change the way magisterial inquiries can be requested by the public does not help in better tackling this issue. The government should reverse that legislation, especially since magisterial inquiries have been critical to investigating scandals in recent years.

But beyond that, there is a need to strengthen governance structures.

One just needs to take a look at the hospitals deal agreement to see a clear example of why this is needed.

Not only was the contract annulled by the courts, but criminal charges were levelled against former top politicians. The contract being annulled came about following a court case started by former Opposition Leader Adrian Delia, not by the government, while the criminal charges came about after a magisterial inquiry triggered by civil society.

There have been other government contracts over the years which have raised eyebrows.

Just recently serious concerns were raised about another government contract. The National Audit Office highlighted concerns regarding the Fortina land conditions agreement, and here the police must investigate, if they haven't already started to.

There is a clear need for more safeguards, better transparency and governance when it comes to government contracts.

Serious investors looking at Malta and seeing such controversy would think twice about investing in the country.

There is also the issue of clientelism, as Portelli rightly said. Clientelism exists either because politicians use it as a tool to gain votes or because systems are so bureaucratic that people give up and turn to personal contacts to get what they are entitled to, she said during the interview.

It is an issue that needs to be taken more seriously in the country.

Politicians are there to help people. That is, of course, their primary aim. To do that, they must talk to people, and listen to their complaints and issues. They should then propose solutions such as by introducing support schemes, or regulations to fix loopholes, or pushing for the introduction of treatment for those suffering from a medical condition which currently requires them to go abroad for instance. It must be done for the common good.

But there is a line that should not be crossed. For instance, it would not be right to help someone jump the queue for a driving license, or give someone a social benefit they are not entitled to, or to help someone get a promotion they are not deserving of.

"Corruption and clientelism always impart a negative implication, especially with those who do things correctly. Quality requires proper governance structures in place. There should be a zero-tolerance policy for any kind of abuse that is facilitated by those entrusted with political or administrative responsibility," Portelli said. She is absolutely right. There must be a zero-tolerance policy.