MLP spokesman criticises ambassador's reappointment

The reappointment of Richard Muscat as Malta's Ambassador to Ireland has been described by the Labour Party's spokesman for foreign affairs, Leo Brincat, as an "act of a shameless government".

By renewing Mr Muscat's term as ambassador until July 2008, the government has opted to challenge public opinion and the conclusions of the Auditor General's report.

The Labour spokesman was referring to the time when Mr Muscat headed the radio station Voice of the Mediterranean.

The Auditor General's report had concluded that financial regulations had not been observed in VOM purchases and procurements, the Labour spokesman said.

Though Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo had not been involved in Mr Muscat's original appointment, he had every opportunity to wash his hands of the case and change the ambassador once his term of office ended, Mr Brincat said.

"The minister has now assumed responsibility for Mr Muscat's possible administrative shortcomings during the period he was investigated by the Auditor General," Mr Brincat said.

Through this decision, both Dr Frendo and the government have sent the wrong message - that they do not appear to believe in transparency and accountability. Mr Muscat's reappointment was also a bad example to all those working in the public service, especially the diplomatic corps, Mr Brincat added.

When contacted, Dr Frendo said he considered the statement unfair given that the Public Accounts Committee, by admission of its own chairman, was inconclusive of its deliberations about the VOM case.

"On that basis, I felt it would be inappropriate for me at this stage to take a decision on behalf of the PAC," he said.

However, Dr Frendo sent a letter to Mr Muscat referring to the PAC's "inconclusive" work and indicating that he is keeping the matter under review, pending developments.