The Marigold Foundation and the National Rare Diseases Alliance have said in a joint statement that the Standards’ Commissioner had found no wrongdoing in either of them in his report.
In his report, published on Monday evening, Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi cleared Prime Minister Robert Abela of any ethical breach but concluded that the two aforementioned entities were granted preferential treatment and that key rules governing staff releases were breached, including delayed agreements and other irregularities.
The two organisations, which are closely affiliated and both led by Michelle Muscat, the wife of former Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, however said that the report had shown that there was no wrongdoing on their end.
“The report reflects the breadth and intensity of the work carried out by both organisations, demonstrating how they have consistently stepped in to bridge important service gaps through dedication, professionalism and transparency. This contribution has been clearly evidenced through public initiatives, patient support programmes and national awareness efforts that have strengthened the rare disease community in Malta,” the organisations said.
The organisations noted that it is important to clarify that The Marigold Foundation is the founding organisation of the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta.
“This publicly documented fact is central to understanding the operational relationship between the two entities and their coordinated work. The Alliance was established specifically to support and empower the rare disease sector; consequently, the sharing and coordinated use of resources form an integral part of its mission and structure,” the NGOs said.
“We also wish to emphasise that both NGOs entered into formal agreements whenever requested to do so. The responsibility for drafting, approving and formalising such agreements lies with the relevant Government department administering the scheme. NGOs can only submit requests and justifications for consideration and have no authority over the administrative processes that follow,” they added.
“While we fully respect the institutional process and the work carried out in compiling the report, we regret that processes triggered by anonymous letters inevitably place unnecessary pressure and stress on employees and volunteers whose sole focus is to serve vulnerable patients and their families,” the organisations continued.
They noted that report also highlights, albeit indirectly, the considerable time, pressure and scrutiny borne by employees working within these organisations, “largely due to their association with NGOs founded by Michelle Muscat.”
“Despite this, both organisations have remained steadfast in their mission, continuing to deliver services with integrity, compassion and accountability, always placing patients and families at the centre of their work,” they said.
The Marigold Foundation and the National Alliance for Rare Diseases Support Malta said that they remain fully committed to good governance, responsible collaboration with public authorities, and the continued delivery of impactful programmes that complement State services and respond to the real needs of the rare disease community.
“As Rare Diseases Malta marks its 10th anniversary, the sustained commitment, collaboration and community engagement of both organisations have resulted in essential services, initiatives and advocacy that address real gaps not catered for by the State, thereby making a tangible and positive impact on Maltese society.”