'Leak' of delegates' personal data condemned

Two contenders for the post of Labour leader, Michael Falzon and Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca, yesterday criticised the leakage of details about the party's delegates to Malta Today newspaper for a survey about the party's upcoming election.

Dr Falzon told the media during a visit to the Marsaxlokk market in the morning that he totally condemned the leak, saying steps should be taken against those responsible.

"Party issues of a sensitive nature should never be passed on to the public... Whoever has the responsibility to keep custody of certain matters, but cannot, should leave the party. Certain details are only held by a select few," he said.

Mr Falzon promised that should he be elected leader, he would do his utmost to eradicate such acts.

In a statement, Ms Coleiro-Preca said that she had been contacted by a substantial number of party delegates who complained about being called on the phone by unknown persons and asked about their preference of party leader.

The delegates expressed their concern and anger at this behaviour but particularly about how personal and confidential information had been leaked to people who had nothing to do with the MLP.

She described the incident as a serious breach of ethics and professionalism and called on the party's electoral commission to ensure that delegates are protected from such abuse.

She said no one should put delegates under such external pressure. Delegates had the right and duty to make a free choice according to their conscience.

Delegates, on the other hand, should not allow anyone to influence their choice, she added.