Justice Minister Jonathan Attard declined to comment on the contents of a sworn letter sent by Judge Laurence Mintoff containing allegations about Prime Minister Robert Abela.

Among the accusations in the letter sent to the Cabinet Secretary, Judge Mintoff said Prime Minister Robert Abela had told him that he (Mintoff) was not being considered for the post of Chief Justice because he had been nominated by the Opposition and, if appointed, this would irk Labour diehards. Allegations included pressure on a court employee, the use of parliamentary questions in a context of personal financial interest, private communications with a sitting judge concerning judicial appointments, and political considerations in relation to the appointment of the Chief Justice. 

Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, Attard said that, both as the minister responsible for justice and as a member of government, his focus remains on the process to appoint a new Chief Justice. 

He noted that a week ago the government put forward an alternative nominee to the Opposition, describing the person as fully qualified for the role. The Opposition has yet to take a position on this second name. A meeting scheduled for last Monday at Parliament was postponed by the Opposition.

Responding to criticism from the Chamber of Advocates, which described the appointment process as having turned into a "public farce", Attard said he would not comment on their interpretation. He maintained that the reform of the appointment process was a courageous step by the government, but argued that the two-thirds parliamentary requirement should not be used by the Opposition to "hold the government to ransom".

Attard confirmed he had been informed that Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti, who has stayed on the the role until the two sides of the House come to an agreement, had referred the matter to the Commissioner for Standards for the Judiciary. Under judicial ethics rules, members of the judiciary are prohibited from communicating with the executive about their work, as Judge Mintoff allegedly did by sending his letter to all ministers.

Following an investigation, the Commissioner for Standards, Toni Abela, will submit his conclusions to the Chief Justice, who may then refer the matter to the Commission for the Administration of Justice. This body is the only authority empowered to discipline judges and magistrates, with powers ranging from reprimands and salary reductions to suspension or removal from office.

Asked whether he had communicated with Judge Mintoff in the past 24 hours, Attard denied any contact.