Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina yesterday warned that racist incitement was unlawful and would not be tolerated, amid growing concerns of racial tension and intolerance.
Ms Cristina admitted she too was bearing the brunt of certain individuals' criticism who believe Malta should adopt an ultra tough stand against irregular immigrants.
"The situation is volatile and we really have to be careful. In a small country like ours, even a small incident could stir up a storm," Ms Cristina told The Times.
Last week, the minister visited the detainees at Safi Barracks, a few days after the infamous clash between the armed forces and a section of the irregular immigrants. Ms Cristina informed the Cabinet last Monday about the concerns aired by the immigrants.
The minister made it clear she would not cave in to the threats and taunts.
"The brief in my ministry is to take care of the welfare of these individuals (asylum seekers) but on a personal basis I will also lend a helping hand."
Since the Safi incidents on January 13, several opinions have been aired in the press calling upon the government and the people to be heavy handed with illegal immigrants and refugees.
Ms Cristina said she was all in favour of the freedom of the press but she also believed the media had a huge responsibility to defuse tension by controlling potentially harmful comments and opinions.
"I can understand the concerns aired by some people about the issue of illegal migration but they have to understand that we simply cannot let these people die," she said.
Ms Cristina shared some of the personal e-mails she had received, several of which criticised her for intervening in the issue.
The vast majority wrote in to her saying they believed the government should assist the Maltese people before it provides a helping hand to foreigners. Ms Cristina was also accused of showing sympathy towards the asylum seekers because she was "of the same skin colour".
"I know my staff didn't bother to pass on other disparaging remarks," she said.
Three groups of immigrants representing three units at the Safi centre met Ms Cristina and expressed their various needs and concerns, especially with regard to Malta's detention policy.
The minister said she was aware of the adverse and often frustrating circumstances asylum seekers were finding themselves in but it was important for them to understand that it was very difficult for a small country like Malta to cope with the influx of immigrants.
When the immigrants spoke about their wish to move on to other countries, Ms Cristina explained that international obligations were complex and therefore solutions were not easy.
She highlighted initiatives the ministry was taking to ensure they would be provided with accommodation and have their other welfare needs seen to once they are released to the open centres.
The detainees lamented the lack of contact with the outside world and their crammed living conditions.
The immigrants also suggested ways of helping each other out while in detention, such as teaching each other new languages and other skills that would help them integrate in the societies they would eventually become part of.