On 22 September, the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM), PEN Malta, the Daphne Caruana Galizia Foundation and Repubblika wrote jointly to Prime Minister Robert Abela, calling on the Government to consult journalists, civil society and other stakeholders before finalising the proposed legislation on journalism and media freedom, the organisations said Wednesday.

"We specifically requested a meeting with the Prime Minister and the ministers responsible for the legislation before the bills are finalised and published, followed by a genuine public consultation on the text of the proposed laws," the statement said.

We received neither an acknowledgement that the letter had been received nor a reply. A reminder we sent on 28 September was also ignored, the statement added..

Meanwhile, public statements by Government ministers continue to indicate that the legislation will be introduced imminently.

"We renew our call on the Government not to present stakeholders with completed legislation as a fait accompli. Consultation must take place while the proposals can still be discussed and changed. As we said in our letter, there is no contradiction between urgency and consultation," the statement said.

"Reform has already been delayed for far too long, but this cannot justify excluding from the process journalists, writers, publishers, academics and civil society organisations whose work and fundamental freedoms will be directly affected by these laws.

"Once again, we call on the Prime Minister to engage in dialogue without further delay and to ensure that the proposed legislation is subject to genuine, effective and timely consultation before it is presented to Parliament."

The letter to the PM in full can be read here