Rules overboard

Over the last two weeks, we had another example of how those who drive the party machinery operate it in their own interest, disregarding those that they profess to serve, and trashing all rules.

New elite

These people put themselves above all others, play the demigods and believe that they can play around with people's lives, careers, reputations and private property. They are the untouchables, protected by a web of lackeys in key positions and in the media. They are the virus that has infected our political system and has induced a general malaise in the country.

We have come to know, through a leak (or rather a put-through* in the very active news exchange market) that the general secretary of the Labour Party has acted in this capacity when he was not even a member of the party - he had not paid his membership fee for three years. His application for re-election was contested within the party. But the party rules were seen not to apply for the likes of Mr General Secretary seeking re-election. The rules could be used by him and his court against anybody who can be considered a threat, but Mr General Secretary could ride on, unflustered, unruffled and undisturbed.

Omertà

Now the name of the MLP's general secretary has little importance to me, except that a new face could have picked up this party from the abyss of mediocrity in which it is wallowing - and this would have been good for the country.

I do feel deep anguish at the sheer arrogance that is displayed in such cases and at the obvious disdain in wish the members of the political parties and the population at large are looked upon by this new elite.

How long will it be before this Maltese community is going to wake up and find how far the system has been sown up without accounting for them?

Media accountability

As expected, the media in Malta did not examine the media over the last two weeks. No one raised the subject of ethics in the media, or whether the media are giving the people a good or a raw deal. A friend of mine in the UK who has vast experience both as a journalist and who now works as a public relations consultant (he does not pass himself as a journalist too), sent me this e-mail:

"Read your piece today on journalists and PR in Malta. In UK, senior journalists occasionally sit on government committees, particularly those looking at media or ethical issues and on arts bodies, though there are strict guidelines. I have never known a journalist to sit on any regulatory body, economic development body or similar, though it may very occasionally happen.

"The dual role of journalist and professional PR person is unheard of. In the past, some big PR firms had working journalists as 'advisers', but I think that practice has ended. It was, quite rightly, viewed as highly questionable by the public, editors and politicians."

This gives me some comfort in knowing that it is the system concocted in Malta that is wrong and unacceptable. In the interest of democracy a public debate must be developed on this issue and action must be taken.

Blessings

The country justly rejoiced during the consecration of His Grace Archbishop Paul Cremona on Friday. The Maltese have a mature, humble pastor who has already given proof that his interests do not lie in the trappings of diplomacy or legalisms but rather in guiding his flock in pastures which are becoming more and more difficult and dangerous.

There are issues that we have to grapple with today that are on the same theme as those faced by our forefathers in the past as they relate to human relationships. However the milieu in which these issues are defined today is so very different. The standard of our values have shifted towards the liberal, and the force with which the pastor can project his voice and be heeded by his flock has faded as many other sounds are interfering and competing for attention.

Some new issues

Other issues are coming to the fore, pushed by advances in technology and which need a redefinition of the boundaries of ethics. This redefinition should be inspired by a cocktail of law and charity. But charity should be the predominant element.

As His Grace said during his first speech, he did not hit and kick, steal and lie to get this ministry. He was chosen, and He who chose him will keep His hand over him and make good for the human shortcomings and limitations which we all display from time to time. Recognising these shortcomings and owning up quickly to any wrong decision will give the strength, confidence and credibility to his leadership.

I wish Archbishop Cremona success. For his sake, because as a human being he would like to look back on his ministry as one which gave solace to this country. But more so for the sake of us, this Maltese community whose lives will be directly affected by many decisions he will be taking over the coming years.

* put-through - a sale of a commodity in any stock exchange concluded by direct agreement on price between buyer and seller.

jd@dbms.com.mt, SMS: 7942-2964