Sant relaunches attack against Pullicino-Orlando
Former Labour leader Alfred Sant this evening renewed his attack on Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando over the Mistra disco case and warned the government that it should face-up to any attempts to blackmail it by virtue of itssingle seat parliamentary majority.
Speaking in Parliament, Dr Sant said no one more than himself knew what it felt like to be blackmailed in a situation of a one-seat majority in the House. But whereas the situation 10 years ago involved somebody who wanted to hold steadfast to a political view, this time was much worse because the person involved wanted to stand by a personal decision which involved deception of the people and corruption.
Should the Gonzi government continue to ignore the issue and tolerate a vitiated presence in the House, it would be blatantly failing its duties to the country and the House, causing the people to lose confidence in Parliament and in politicians.
In his 30-minute speech during the adjournment, Dr Sant said the people being arraigned in court in connection with the Mistra case were, if anything, agents working for somebody else. Therefore, if they were to be arraigned, the promoters of the disco and those who stood to benefit from it, such as the land owner should be similarly held to account.
Dr Sant said that the Labour Party in presenting its case about Mistra had always been careful to have its claims backed by fact. At the risk of the PN finding out that it was investigating this case, it had waited patiently until documents were revealed, even when that came at the end of the electoral campaign.
The evidence presented so far showed clear manipulation of the technical and bureaucratic processes at MEPA for the development permit to be issued against established procedure and precedent.
He had claimed, Dr Sant recalled, that this involved corruption and money changing hands. Maybe it was not a case of wads of cash changing hands in some hidden corner, but the money could be seen in the way the value of Dr Pullicino Orlando’s land shot up when the permit was granted, and in the hundreds of thousands of liri he stood to gain just from renting the land for the disco.
Some might try to believe Dr Pullicino Orlando when he said he did not know the details of the development, but for all level headed persons, this was a very serious case, as serious as the corruption of Appeal court judges.
Dr Sant hit out at Dr Pullicino Orlando for having accused him of having ignored what his family were going through.
Not very long ago, Dr Sant revealed, Dr Pullicino Orlando had phoned him at home, pleading to him to ensure that Super One did not report something which had taken place within his family. He assured him it would not be reported, because the Labour media did not act in that way, although the same could not be said of the PN press.
Dr Sant also referred to purported e-mail exchanges between MLP general secretary Jason Micallef and entrepreneur Kevin deCesare on the Mistra case and insisted they were all false, and Mr deCesare never had anything to do with revealing the case. Significantly, it was Dr Pullicino Orlando who was mentioning these e-mails, in yet another attempt to hide the true facts.
Dr Sant insisted that Dr Pullicio Orlando’s attitude and behaviour were unacceptable in a democracy and it was stupid of him to argue that he had been exonerated, just because the Attorney General and the Police had decided not to press charges in court. Those who were to be arraigned were but agents acting on somebody else’e behalf – the promoters of the disco and the owner of the land and if these agents were to answer in court, the promoters and those who stood to gain from the way the permit was issued should also answer before the people, Dr Sant said.
However one looked at the issue, it stank. This was, above all, an issue of political morality which the Prime Minister, as head of the government, needed to tackle.
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Michael Debono
Jun 29th 2008, 15:48
@J.Grima.
A last word
There was a time when discos were opening here and there. A particular one was probably under an evil spell because of some sort of abuse. A defunct might not be foreign to the spell. Who knows whether this has anything to do with my dream?
I have clarified my point that individuals who have skeletons in their cupboard and pretend to be wearing white ermine ought to be careful when boasting. Some one might still be “au courant”.
Since I have been understood, there is nothing more to add.
Malcolm Seychell
Jun 27th 2008, 23:49
Can Sant call it a day. If JPO is in parliament is thanks to him. He didn't face him when he had facts on the Mistra project and he decided as usual not to speak
Call it a day Fred. You have been a complete flop in politics.
Michael Debono
Jun 27th 2008, 22:03
If I hear him attack JPO again i wil start rooting for the discredited MP.( J.Grima)
Yes birds of same feather flock together...
It was expected.
David Buttigieg
Jun 27th 2008, 13:56
@Michal Catania
In the 1950's referendum barely 45% voted, in the EU referenum well over 90 % voted. Understand the difference?
David Buttigieg
Jun 27th 2008, 13:53
@Albert Fenech
And despite all that "restructuring" labour continue to be serial losers.
"one the most intelligent and academically-qualified politicians (Alfred Sant) Malta has ever produced " Academic qualifications are so easy to get and if he was so intelligent why didn't he ever show it old chap? Why then did he insist on portraying an arrogant incompenetent deceitful person whithout a clue as to what he is doing?
All the lies by PN eh? Answer this, if they were all lies, why is our standard of living, our freedoms, our rights, freedom of expression, choices and our future infinitely better than when labour were in power? I know I lived through both periods unlike you who must have been absent from Malta in one way or another before 1987!
Joe Vella
Jun 27th 2008, 08:58
@ Michael Catania
My friend, for Dr. Joseph Muscat to feel that there is the need to establish a code of ethics for the journalist working for the MLP media speaks volume of the quality and ethics of its' journalist and the state that Dr. Alfred Sant left the MLP media to deteroriate over the years.
The only thing to read into this it is that this is a clead condemnation of Alfred Sant and Jason Micallef by Dr. Muscat.
Jane Magri Lanzon
Jun 26th 2008, 22:10
I have always supported PN for very obvious reasons throughout my entire life. I have never doubted about whom to give my vote.
However, this particular issue really let me down, I am sorry to say! I voted for a government in whom I have always trusted blindly. This is not the PN government I recall however. JPO must be asked to resign!! Irrespective of implications ... let us keep PN clean. What JPO was involved in might not be politically & morally correct. Facts are obvious and people are must not be undermined. The way we are treated by playing with words is an insult to our intelligence. Let us not lose what PN built in the past!!!
Joe Vella
Jun 26th 2008, 20:54
@ Albert Fenech
I think we must have read a different version of the M LP Commmission's report. Can you then reconcile to me the two statements the you made. 1) "It will also record the way you successfully re-structured the MLP......." and 2) "Re-structuring means new MLP headquarters, One Radio and Television, Maltastar, Kulhadd......."
The MlP commission report clearly speaks of a house in Disorder at the MLP headquarters.
Also, Mr. Fenech being intelligent and haveing strong academic credentials doesn't make you a qualified politician. Dr. Sant is a clear example in this regards. You are alos wrong in saying that Dr. Sant was prevented from the premiership of our Country. He was intrusted with such Honour and failed miserably because in my opinion he lacked the true credentials of a political leader shoud have. That is, being able to listen, being capable of persausion and have the art of compromise.
Michael Catania
Jun 26th 2008, 20:22
@ Albert Fenech
Please accept my congratulations for a well put comments. I wholeheartily agree with them as I don't think I could have put them better.
@joe vella
Whats wrong with drawing up a code of ethics. I am sure that your masters at pieta will look on such thing in horror because to have such a thing would mean a lot of blank pages in their media
Dr Frank Portelli MD FRCS(Ed)
Jun 26th 2008, 19:18
Dr Sant’s implication is that Pullicino Orlando is in a position to blackmail the PN in Parliament - since the PN has a one seat majority
He reportedly adds "Should the Gonzi government continue to ignore the issue and tolerate a vitiated presence ( of JPO) in the House, it would be blatantly failing its duties to the country and the House, causing the people to lose confidence in Parliament and in politicians."
If Pullicino Orlando were to blackmail the Government by voting against the Government in Parliament - will Dr Sant support Pullicino Orlando with his vote causing the people to lose confidence in Parliament and in Politicians?
Now there's the Rub
Dr Frank Portelli MD FRCS(Ed)
Joe Vella
Jun 26th 2008, 17:43
2 Joe Galea
Dr.Sant and the MLP are still awaiting fo you to send in your donation to defend the Libel case.
Joe Vella
Jun 26th 2008, 17:36
@ Joe Galea
If the MLP is so self righteous, can you tell why there is the need for Dr. Mucsat to set up a Commission to draw up a "Code of Ethics" for its' Journalists.
ALBERT FENECH
Jun 26th 2008, 16:20
@ Joe Vella
Dear sir, you miss the sight of the wood for the trees that cloud your vision. Re-structuring the MLP is not the short-term vision of General Election 2008 (clouded by lies, personal villification, vote manipulation through last-minute favours, etc). Re-structuring means new MLP headquarters, One Radio and Television, Maltastar, Kulhadd and above all, re-structuring from all the lies and manipulations of NP publicists and apologists over the last two decades. The paramount point is that one the most intelligent and academically-qualified politicians (Alfred Sant) Malta has ever produced has been prevented from Premiership by the mounds of personally-caluminous lies heaped on him by NP strategists, fawns and lackies, through an overwhelmingly biased Media. That is all behind us now, but it has contributed to a strong platform on which the MLP can now only build - and that must be worrying for you.
MICHAEL CATANIA
Jun 26th 2008, 16:11
WHY all this venom about Dr. Alfred Sant. In all the time that he was Mexxej of the Malta Labour Party never once has he expressed himself in derogatry personal terms about his political opponents. Yet here we see the conservative rabble still trying to degrade him. A.S. strength is knowing that he has a clear conscious, something his opponents know very little about.
@ daphe caruana galizia . your bleebs do not hold any water with me. I often wondered what you were about .Maybe you were trying to obtain some notoriety at Alfred Sant's expense. Finally I think you are the last person who should talk about integrity. Go back to 1955/56 referendum on integration and see what the conservatives said about the result then
Joe Grima
Jun 26th 2008, 15:36
Dr Sant should bow his head in shame and shut up for all the troubles he has caused the MLP. Keeping his mouth zipped will be a good deed in favour of the Party that still harbours him. If I hear him attack JPO again i wil start rooting for the discredited MP.
Joe Micallef
Jun 26th 2008, 14:46
Dear Claire Bonello! About exactly what is Dr.Sant right! That JPO is invovled in corruption?
Joe Vella
Jun 26th 2008, 14:21
@ Albert Fenech
You write, 'It will also record the way you successfully re-structured the MLP."
I have two e question for you, Have you read the MLP post election Commission report, and secondly, if so, have you comprehend what it actually said?
I do not thinks so to either questions.
David Buttigieg
Jun 26th 2008, 14:18
@Josanne Cassar
I saw it, so?
R Caruana
Jun 26th 2008, 13:35
@R Caruana. You are wrong regarding ODZ. It is not only the development of residences which is prohibited in these areas, it is a host of other structures. Development in these areas is the exception not the rule
Claire Bonello
Jun 26th 2008, 13:14
Regardless of mistakes and gaffes committed by Alfred Sant in other areas, he was and is right about this. The Mistra issue stank and the revocation of the permit by MEPA proves his point. We can rake up every political mess Sant may have committed ever, it still doesn't make JPO's behaviour in this particular case any better. And like it or not, ardent Nationalist, floater or whatever, it's due to ALfred Sant that this issue was brought to light
eric saliba
Jun 26th 2008, 13:01
@ a farrugia....dr sant took the evidence to the comm of police. pardon me but wasn't it dr gonzi who suggested this? did you expect dr sant to have a slanging match on tv with jpo? how little you know dr sant !!
in yr comment you say no one will deny me the right to freedom of speech but then you 'suggest' i discontinue this crusade !! is this a veiled threat? it was a labour govt that enshrined freedom of expression in the constitution and no one will take that away from me !
@ ms caruana galizia. i will not answer your spiteful personal comments about dr sant but just invite you to read the article " mistra disco permit revoked". irrespective of what you all say, dr sant was right
martin portelli
Jun 26th 2008, 12:51
Wondered how long it would be before the ‘nouveau peasant’ popped up and entertained us not with another oh so boring , so last season ‘Sant bashing’ spree. What political point did she exactly score by dragging Ms. Sant into this? Nothing , only embracing the likes of Jason Micallef white trousers & all (see his recent interview on ‘ILLUM’) in a complete disregard for ethical consideration for what is politically public and that which is totally private.
NB. Powers of observation please note someone's obsessive fixation with IQ.
Marlene Vella
Jun 26th 2008, 12:36
... I'm glad this permit has been revoked for the sake of the environment.. but to all those who choose to still think this is just about the electoral campaign, MEPA etc. give us a break: some people stand to gain from not having another competing establishment!!!
A. Tabone
Jun 26th 2008, 12:22
It is so ridiculous to keep defending JPO by questioning Sant's integrity. That is pure cowardice.
Facts are that Dr.JPO used political influence (phone calls and sms to MEPA), for a permit to be granted. When such a permit was granted, he made a deal on the rent to earn 1.9million euros in 15 years. That is so socially and ethically responsible of him! Especially being the green politician!
And this same green politician is still in parliament , scott free. Stop defending this man using Sant's integrity. And start questioning Gonzi's responsibility of this 1.9 million euros that JPO was going to earn.
Josanne Cassar
Jun 26th 2008, 12:15
To all those who are still incredibly defending JPO, please refer to today's story posted on this website at 10.58 "Mista disco permit revoked.."
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Jun 26th 2008, 10:48
Eric Saliba - how did you reach the conclusion that Sant has integrity? Because he and his followers say so? When deciding whether a politician has integrity, use your powers of observation and your intelligence, assuming you have both. Politicians with integrity do not claim they won the referendum when they didn't (the EU) or insist on something that doesn't exist (Partnership), or stay on as leader when they have lost two general elections and a referendum (1998, 2003 and the EU), or say that they are resigning irrevocably only to pop up five days later as the leader of the opposition.
A Farrugia
Jun 26th 2008, 10:44
@ Eric Saliba
No - there are no two sides of an argument ... there is only the truth and falsehoods. And if Dr Sant was man enough, he should have faced and confronted JPO when he had all the chances in the world, and not run away. But he failed, he failed the people and the MLP. Because if he had confronted JPO with all the amunition he had, victory at the polls would have certainly been his, as was the case in 2003, but once again he blundered, with all the MLP following. And now Dr. Sant, malta under the nationalists allows what the MLP never allowed. Freedom of speech. You are within your rights to talk as much as you want to. And no one will begrudge you this freedom. But I dare to suggest to you not to continue this crusade. You should look at the back of your party with the secret commercial delegations, etc., as if those are not scandals of the first degree.
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Jun 26th 2008, 10:44
Albert Fenech, how about the indignities and personal insults endured by the enemies of Sant's party? Nobody every put Marta Sant on a repetitive loop on Net TV as far as I recall. And I have a whole collection of vulgar newspaper articles written about me by the likes of Toni Abela and other party apparatchiks, and a host of insulting cartoons, too. I mention my own case because I can do so. Others can mention their own. 'Miskin Alfred Sant the martyr' just doesn't wash. Take your besotted prejudices and feast on them elsewhere, possibly in the company of your little champagne socialist friends who would die if they had to live in a Bormla hovel for more than a day.
Daphne Caruana Galizia
Jun 26th 2008, 10:40
Perhaps we should all bear in mind that this is the very man who told us that Partnership won the referendum. His credibility hit the rocks a long time ago. He's a fine one to talk about the credibility of others. It's a shame the sarcasm of the British parliament is absent from our own. Somebody should really stand up and put this serial loser, with his CET and Partnership fantasies, in his place. He should leave the criticism of Pullicino Orlando to those with a less embarrassing track record.
M. Ellis
Jun 26th 2008, 10:38
While I am one who hardly found anything in common with Dr. Sant, and looked forward for his end as leader of the MLP, I have to say I agree with him fully on this one. The issue here is not only about whether JPO was found to be criminally responsible. Its also about his moral obligations & indeed credibility as an MP. He denied knowing details about the case on HIS land (sic). It transpired, as all of you know, that he not only knew, but stood to benefit handsomely from its use.
It is unacceptable, that an MP misleads on such a topic to the Voters and the Party. Its even more unacceptable now that the truth came out, that the government retains him in Parliament. I can understand this might be a very difficult decision for Dr. Gonzi as with a one seat majority he risks losing power. On the other hand, having JPO on his benches is unsustainable. In my humble opinion, people should forget their political divides on this one, and demand that JPO resigns with immediate effect. Anything less, & all this will come back to haunt us all.
Toni
Jun 26th 2008, 10:29
Wads of cash, wads of votes, hmmmm. The state dont smell so good, and this has been going on for a while it seems
R. Caruana
Jun 26th 2008, 09:47
For those who are ignorant of planning matters, ODZs exist only for RESIDENCES. Any commercial activity can apply for a permit in an ODZ, otherwise our farmers would not be able to even put up temporary greenhouses in their fields.
Could those who have no inkling on our planning laws kindly refrain from commenting here. I've seen enough rubbish.
victor caruana
Jun 26th 2008, 09:39
to those who commented below and are on board the groovy train: it is the government and corrupt politic behaviour (hoping commentators below do not participate in) that are going to be annoyed and not us honest citizens who never dream of boarding the groovy train.
it was fresh to hear again from Alfred Sant. In fact he should start divulging secrets he surely share with others about our corrupt society and power manipulation.
martin portelli
Jun 26th 2008, 09:33
So the Sophist Orc shakes his head in wonder at Labour's 'former Elf In Chief in the House '. Why because said Elf persistently attempts to inject a decent Political Ethic? A political ethic that appeals to a moral ethos but one firmly resisted by the cognitively dissonant incumbent PN? Truly a case of being stuck between a rock and a hard place! Consider that the choice is between a moral political culture vs. allegiance to the party at all costs! No wonder Lawrence Gonzi’s smile is less visible and furtive eye movements to the left and right more noticeable today. Gonzi the Grey meeting his Balrog? He truly has my sympathies (not empathy mind you) maybe he might just about turn into a radiant flame!
Matthew Borg
Jun 26th 2008, 09:29
@ Eric Saliba
That is true, but an argument that is seen from an objective approach - as I have tried to illustrate - is without a shadow of a doubt better than that that can only be seen from only one viewpoint.
Manuel Micallef
Jun 26th 2008, 09:21
Instead of attacking Sant as a person - why do people not focus on argument.
Anyone is naive enough to believe that the MEPA officials where acting alone?! It doesn't make sense....
David Buttigieg
Jun 26th 2008, 09:20
@Eric Saliba
Dr Sant's integrity? Good one! Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha
Joe Micallef
Jun 26th 2008, 09:08
That this Dr.Sant is incredible is the understatement of the century. In fact his ranting on the JPO bubble can be boiled down to his reported statement "…but for all level headed persons…". Level headedness is surely not one of his major qualities. His insistence on having won the EU referendum is only one instance of a shameful string.
To pick up the mess he conveniently mixes up corruption, political responsibility and political consistency. What is more, is that due to his lack of level headedness he had a great opportunity to campaign on the lack of JPO's political consistency and messed it all up by insisting on corruption, obviously because he considers himself to be the prosecutor and judge of anything.
The same political inconsistency he so famous for from his time as president of the MLP, to his numerous convenient (yet not honest) turnarounds on key policies, to the Lay-Lay flats, to the public property taken over by the MLP and so on and so forth.
ALBERT FENECH
Jun 26th 2008, 08:21
@ Andrew Borg Cardona
To my friend Andrew, whether he would like to believe it or not, I did not actually mentally include him as one of the "lackies" I was thinking about. As for persistence, this is like a bad smell. It will not simply disappear, or go away or transform itself into a nice smell unless it is dealt with and expurgated. As the PN does not seem to have the stuffing or the backbone to deal with the JPO "bad smell" (one wonders why?), it has to be dealt with by its opponents, and the longer the stench lingers, the more harm it is going to inflict on the incumbent government.
Paul Sammut
Jun 26th 2008, 08:21
Very well said Dr Sant. JPO got elected through untruths and he should not stay there. JPO get out of parliament and stick to dentistry. WE DO NOT WANT YOU.
Joe Galea
Jun 26th 2008, 08:12
@ Mark Anthony Portelli, if what you said was wrong, doesn't make the JPO shameful act look good. Two wrongs don't make one right.
@matthew Borg...up to now we have the PN with a tyrannical way of doing things....my way or no way...then there are the PN apologists and journalists who slam whatever MLP does and says, topped with personal insults and character assassination...Dr. sant has experienced it in full.
@JM Deguara, the only people who need to apologise to all the Maltese of good will are JPO and the PN big heads backing and covering him.
Keep up the pressure DR Sant, we are fed up of disgusting cases like this slipping as if nothing happened due to manipulation and distortion of facts, to the detriment of we inhabitants and taxpayers.
James De Giorgio
Jun 26th 2008, 07:59
This Sant's as brilliant as his political career....
He's really starting to annoy me. Why doesn't he shut it and help the party get along?
eric saliba
Jun 26th 2008, 07:59
interesting how andrew borg cardona describes himself as 'lackey''. never thought that abc was a servile follower and a hanger-on. but now we know better.
re what dr sant said.....we all know sant's integrity and jpo's. enough said.
@ matthew borg. there are 2 sides to any argument and saying you make a better argument may not always be right.
Miguel Fenech
Jun 26th 2008, 07:50
I thought the subject here was the Mistra disco and not Dr. Sant's credibility. I agree with the statement that in whatever way you look at the issue, it stinks. If I'm not mistaken, the Mistra valley is an ODZ zone and no permit whatsoever can be considered as legal or environmentally friendly. If you combine this with the fact that JPO was considered as nature's paladin, it stinks even more and irrespective of the court's outcome, it is JPO's credibility that is at a loss and not Dr. Sant's. In my opinion, JPO's overall behaviour is harmful to both the MLP and PN.
Stephen Borg
Jun 26th 2008, 07:31
The truth and nothing but the truth. Well done, Dr Sant. If only all other politicians are as honest as yourself. Now watch out for the blue-eyed super-elves falling over themselves trying to make a mockery of these undeniable facts.
J.M.Dedguara
Jun 26th 2008, 06:47
well i dont agree with Dr A.Sant. if Dr J.P.O had broken the law in anyway, The court would have fined him also! I think that Dr A. Sant needs to prepare an apologie ready to read on the tv or in parliament!!
Matthew Borg
Jun 26th 2008, 00:33
What a pity that people like Albert Fenech cannot think objectively. Two things mentioned really strike me in terms of how much his comment reeks of ignorance:
1) "Pro-NP journalists, correspondents and their lackies who should hang their heads in shame." - What he implies here is that the MLP media gives clear, concise and untwisted facts, of course. The MLP media has never b**ched about the PN, but the opposite always happens. And of course, any PN follower is also involved in such a situation. Give me a break and think before you talk, mate. You're definitely older than me yet I can already make a better argument than you. How pathetic.
2) "...the MLP is rightfully elected to administer these islands." - So you're implying that the sole governors of this island should be the MLP? Wouldn't that be a tyrranical reign? And before you start going on about the PN's reign being tyrannical, may I remind you that we're living in a democracy, where the party in question has been elected by the majority of voters - be it absolute OR relative. Again, learn how to think objectively.
Mark Anthony Portelli
Jun 25th 2008, 23:19
Although I think in principle Dr Sant is right, someone should remind him about the 80s and 70s land buying in Labour times...
Andrew Borg-Cardona
Jun 25th 2008, 23:12
Just so Albert Fenech can have something else about which to make fatuous comments, this particular "lackey" isn't hanging his head in shame. Shaking it in wonder, more like, at the almost obsessive persistence some people demonstrate.
ALBERT FENECH
Jun 25th 2008, 22:54
Brilliantly put Dr. Sant. As usual, lucid, precisely factual and revealing the economic truth. History will later record all the indignities you suffered and the personal insults to you and to your family made by various pro-NP journalists, correspondents and their lackies who should hang their heads in shame. It will also record the way you successfully re-structured the MLP and hopefully, in the near future these wll bear fruition when once more the MLP is rightfully elected to administer these islands.