The government was working "slowly but steadily" on all fronts and it was better to have a job done well than to have a half-baked job done on time, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday.
Speaking on Radio 101 Dr Gonzi said deadlines were important but not "at any cost".
"We will not be pushed by anyone or any criticism to put patients into the new hospital unless the hospital is ready to receive them. Migration from St Luke's will be carried out when we are ready to do it, when patients will be able to get the best. We will not be pressured to rush into it. We will not accept mediocrity. We are not a government for whom anything goes. We are determined to give value for money," he said.
"The same can also be said for the port reform, which has long been in the pipeline. It is another major step forward. We could have closed negotiations in December but seven months later, we have a better deal," he said.
Dr Gonzi said he was pleased that so many people had been to see the hospital. The open days had been organised now because, once patients were receiving treatment there, it would not be possible to hold such events, he said.
Dr Gonzi said more positive things were on the way. The foundation stone for the new Lufthansa Technik hanger would be laid this week.
The Smart City project would also help Malta continue to establish itself as a hi-tech investment destination.
Although the government was being criticised that these projects were being inaugurated because an election was approaching, Dr Gonzi said Malta was "a long way off from an election".
"We have another budget due and many more projects over the next year. The election will be held when it is in the best interest of the county."
Dr Gonzi said Malta was the first among the 27 EU countries to win the European Commission's approval for the projects submitted for EU funding, and work on these had to start soon.
Turning to allegations of corruption, Dr Gonzi said the opposition was acting in a scandalous manner. "Instead of working with us to eliminate the spider, they are attacking those trying to catch the spider. The government is taking steps to uncover any wrongdoing, yet the opposition is criticising us as if we are committing wrongdoing.
"I will not tolerate any wrongdoing and abuse. I made this clear when I became Prime Minister. I called all heads of department and chairmen and told them I held everyone responsible and that I wanted everything to be done in a serious manner. I will stick to what I had said," Dr Gonzi said.