Ralph Cassar has been suspended from both ADPD and MCAST following allegations about a relationship he had with a student.

Cassar, who is a local councillor in Attard and a lecturer at MCAST, confirmed that he was suspended a week ago, the Times reports. "He said the relationship with the student, who was 19 or 20 years old, lasted between December and June," the news report read, adding that Cassar insists the relationship was consensual, but did not inform his MCAST superiors about it.

The Times reports that Cassar faces accusations of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct, and that an MCAST internal investigation is ongoing. It quotes an Education Ministry spokesperson as saying that both parties were given the opportunity to be heard, the employee was suspended, and that MCAST is informed police reports were filed.

In a statement, ADPD said that in reference to the report this morning regarding the party's General Secretary, Ralph Cassar, party officials have spoken to him, asking him to explain his position. "While he is denying the accusations made against him, he has already offered to suspend himself from his post until the case is concluded."

The ADPD executive met urgently later on Sunday.

The ADPD executive unanimously approved a motion, suspending Cassar from his role as general secretary within the party.

In its statement, the party said that its executive, "having learned that the Secretary-General, Ralph Cassar, was suspended from work in connection with allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior toward one of his students, noting that he denies these allegations and has offered to suspend himself from party duties with immediate effect, considers the allegations serious and believes that, until a clear decision is reached in the disciplinary proceedings, it is not prudent for Cassar to remain active in the Party including in his representation role."

"Therefore, after taking note of all the circumstances known so far regarding the case, it decides that: With immediate effect, it accepts Cassar's offer and suspends him from his role as General Secretary of the Party; And until the case is concluded, Cassar will no longer represent the party as a Councillor in Attard."

Subsequently, Carmel Cacopardo was appointed Acting General Secretary.