Acting Labour leader Charles Mangion yesterday did not rule out the need to amend certain elements of the Constitution, among them the issue of neutrality, in the light of a changing global reality.
"If there are certain criteria we have agreed on but which are entrenched in the Constitution and need to be reconsidered in the light of global changes and Malta's membership within the EU, let's discuss them in a mature, open manner," he said, when asked by The Times.
"Today, we have situations of new economic superpowers that could potentially be military superpowers.
"We need to consider all the international developments and the impact these will have on the country, and this requires a frank discussion and reciprocal respect. And, whoever is in the driving seat has to be the first to show this respect," he said.
Dr Mangion was asked whether he felt it was time for a Constitutional rethink, in the light of comments made by former Foreign Affairs Minister Michael Frendo in Malta Today on the need to do away with the "passé terminology defining neutrality".
The debate on Malta's neutrality made the headlines after the government announced it had applied to rejoin the Partnership for Peace, days after winning the general election by a whisker.
The PfP, a programme of bilateral cooperation between individual EU member states and Nato, has long been a divisive issue. In 1996, the then Labour government had withdrawn Malta's membership from the programme.
As Malta yesterday marked Freedom Day, Dr Mangion took the opportunity to criticise the government for its "manifestation of arrogance" for reactivating membership without any consultation whatsoever.
In its defence, the government said it had enrolled the country in the partnership because since its accession to the EU in May 2004, it had been unable to participate in meetings between the Union and Nato.
Would Labour have positively considered the government's proposal had it bothered to consult them?
"I assure you that if there's something which is in the interest of our country, we will support any initiative. True, we had withdrawn from the PfP in 1996, but this is no way to do things. Such arrogant behaviour only serves to divide the country," Dr Mangion said.
Speaking moments after placing a wreath at the foot of the Freedom Day memorial in Vittoriosa, Dr Mangion said national feasts which marked milestones in the island's social and political history should serve to unite the people.
Several other Labour party officials and councillors and General Workers' Union officials also placed wreaths at the monument yesterday.
Former deputy leader George Abela, who has leadership aspirations was also present at the ceremony.