The Opposition members on the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) together with the Shadow Minister for this sector on Thursday formally submitted a request to the Auditor General to investigate allegations related to Malita Investments plc and the company's operations.
The request was made in view of the serious allegations levelled against Malita Investments p.l.c. by former Labour MEP and former Malita Chairperson Marlene Mizzi, who alleged political interference and claimed that the Minister for Housing, Roderick Galdes, was cultivating relationships with certain contractors linked to the company.
Malita Investments is a company that acquires, develops and manages properties forming part of large-scale national projects worth millions of euro, including social housing. The Government holds the majority shareholding in this entity, with the remaining shares listed on the Malta Stock Exchange. The company falls under the responsibility of Minister Galdes.
The PN representatives on the PAC - Committee Chair Darren Carabott and members Graham Bencini and Mario De Marco - accompanied by Shadow Minister for Social and Affordable Housing Ivan Bartolo submitted the request formally at the National Audit Office this afternoon.
They are requesting the Auditor General to investigate how Malita Investments used public funds and assets, whether its financial resources were utilised in a manner that is accountable, whether proper public procurement procedures were followed, and whether good governance practices ensuring transparency, accountability and due diligence were applied.
They also requested that the Auditor General, in his report, issue recommendations on how companies like Malita should operate to avoid situations similar to those alleged.
The statements made in recent days by Marlene Mizzi concerning Malita raise serious concerns regarding shortcomings in governance, management, administration and the company's operations. Mizzi stated that she had been removed from her position by Minister Roderick Galdes after drawing his attention to these shortcomings.
Following these developments, in the last hours the company's current Executive Chairman - appointed after Marlene Mizzi in 2024 - has also submitted his resignation. This follows earlier resignations at Malita, including that of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer.
The Partit Nazzjonalista members on the PAC said they were requesting this investigation because the public has every right to know what is happening with its money and with social housing assets - particularly at a time when so many families and young people are struggling to secure a roof over their heads.