In an emotional Facebook tribute, Ġorġ Mallia's wife, Shirley Cauchi, remembered Mallia not only as a respected public figure but as a devoted husband whose greatest concern, even in his final hours, was her wellbeing.

Cauchi recounted how Mallia had insisted she continue with her plans on the morning of his death despite telling her he was in pain, reassuring her that he was surrounded by medical support. She described this as characteristic of a man who "always put [her] before himself."

She said that, even the previous evening, Mallia had been encouraging her to eat properly, continue with her hobbies and even watch films he knew she enjoyed, despite his own condition. She also shared the poignant detail that he had been looking forward to 7 September, when the couple would have marked three months of marriage.

Reflecting on their relationship, Cauchi wrote that although they had been married for only a short time, they had spent three years together as partners after first becoming friends.

She described those years as the happiest of her life, saying Mallia loved without limits, constantly supported her ambitions and never sought to hold her back from pursuing the activities she enjoyed.

Her tribute also described Mallia's impact on the wider community. She spoke of the admiration he earned from students, colleagues and friends, recalling how he guided countless people through his lectures, books and advice.

She also spoke of his satirical cartoons, saying they reflected his deep intolerance for injustice and were, in his own words, a way of "keeping his blood pressure under control."

According to Cauchi, wherever they went together people would stop to speak with him, and after news of his death she was overwhelmed by an outpouring of condolences from across Malta and beyond.

"My phone hasn't stopped," she wrote, saying messages had arrived not only from close friends but also from people who had known him only through his work.

She reflected on the many plans they had made together, describing the profound emptiness left by his sudden passing. She wrote that she now faces the difficult task of gathering together his unfinished projects while also trying to mend "a heart shattered into a thousand pieces."

In one of the tribute's most personal moments, Cauchi recalled Mallia's characteristic sense of humour, imagining him teasing her for falling in love with someone so well known. She said she had never loved him for his titles, popularity or professional standing, but for "his humility, humanity and his big heart."

Cauchi also said that, during his final days, Mallia had reminded her of her Buddhist principles and encouraged her to draw strength from them. After awakening from surgery on Friday, she said, his wish had simply been "to live for me."

She concluded her tribute with a farewell, saying that although their time together had been far too short, it had been the most beautiful period of her life.

"Ġorġ, you will remain in my life forever - I will never forget you."