AD deems Mepa chairman's comments 'political discrimination'

Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo has termed the comments made by Malta Environment and Planning (Mepa) chairman Andrew Calleja about Carmel Cacopardo as an attack on freedom of speech and political discrimination.

Mr Cacopardo assisted the audit officer at Mepa. Dr Vassallo said the investigating officer has not been reappointed because Mr Calleja has said, among other things, that Mr Cacopardo has taken part in a meeting called by AD. The audit officer has warned he will resign if Mr Cacopardo is not reappointed. Dr Vassallo said that, in Mr Cacopardo's own words, this attack is similar to the one Mr Cacopardo suffered when he worked in the Ministry for Public Works under the late Lorry Sant.

Dr Vassallo said that among the topics discussed during a meeting organised by AD and chaired by Mr Cacopardo was a proposal calling for more scrutiny on Mepa by having the audit office appointed directly by the Ombudsman.

The same proposal was made recently by the Ombudsman.