Bribed officials feel cheated

The two Malta Transport Authority officials sacked after being convicted of bribery are claiming they have been treated unfairly particularly since one of their former colleagues had been reinstated after being granted a presidential pardon two years ago. Their lawyer, Kris Busietta, told The Times the two men were still evaluating their legal position in the wake of their sacking by the ADT two weeks ago.

Roderick Galea and Jason Buttigieg, the officials involved in the case, were informed on June 19 that their application for a presidential pardon had been "archived" in view of the fact that they still had other legal remedies to exhaust, after which they could reactivate the request for pardon.

Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett had instructed the ADT's CEO not to sack them until their application for a presidential pardon had been considered, but they were sacked soon after the matter was raised in the press.

Dr Busietta said: "We are still considering our position in view of the categorical dismissal letter sent by the ADT. However, my clients fail to see how their situation is different to that official who was granted a pardon two years ago... What's good for the goose is good for the gander".

A 21-year-old man from Tarxien was suspended from public office in similar fashion to the latest two. However, he was reinstated in the public service after being granted a presidential pardon. This is the latest twist in a controversy sparked after outgoing ADT chief executive officer Gianfranco Selvaggi revealed he had been "told" by the Transport Ministry not to sack the two - one of them a former canvasser of the minister - and instead suspend them on half pay pending the outcome of a request for a presidential pardon.

Prior to Mr Selvaggi's revelations, the ADT had told The Times the two could be reinstated, citing the precedent of two years ago.

Mr Mugliett last week offered to resign over the issue but the Prime Minister and Cabinet gave him their full support.