OPM stops request for AD official to choose between political and teaching roles

Lora Gauci

Aug 22nd 2008, 23:31

Dear Carina Dimech,

What I am suggesting is that these are 2 similar cases. No one from MLP and PN reported that he recieved such an ultimatum. During the last election there were PN candidates who were themselves employed by the government. However this person knew only of the AD and AN activists who, when compared to the larger parties, get far less media coverage.

Ms Dimech I agree with you, that the Prime Minister should be busy working on other more important issues. However, I believe it is his important responsibility to appoint reliable people to office. The fact that his office suspended such decision proves he himself is not satisfied with the work this person delivered.

Carina Dimech

Aug 21st 2008, 16:50

Dear Lora Gauci,

Are you suggesting that media and government offices should get rubber stamped from the prime minister himself before operating, within their remit? do you SERIOUSLY think that the prime minister of a country should get into the nitty gritties of everything that is going on? Are you reading Mao Tse-Tung by any chance???!!!!

If anyone decided to go by the book he did well, however they should do that always and with everyone. AD should really get over their persecution mania and start doing some serious work instead of crying wolf every time someone slaps them on the wrist.

Lynn Zahra

Aug 21st 2008, 12:08

@Dr.Joseph Ellis

You have obviously never heard of the saying " rules are for the guidance of wise men and for the observance of by fools "

Like the top civil servant involved in the Victor Galea case, you are ignoring the fact that the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution are superior to any rules laid out in the Estacode for civil servants.

As you know very well, several people involved in politics are civil servants or work with Government Agencies , Malta Enterprise comes to mind, and have never been issued with ultimatiums like Galea's . This was sheer political discrimination , executed with eyes wide shut , and knowing going against Constitutional rights.

Steph Camilleri

Aug 21st 2008, 11:36

jahasra the PM didn't know about this.....!!!!????

u ejja b'min tridu tidhku! and doesn't it sound familiar anyway!

Sandro Pace

Aug 21st 2008, 10:09

@Mr. Joseph Ellis

I think this is not much an issue of seperation of powers. Also, as far as I know the 'executive' comprises also the cabinet, whose members form also part of the legislature.

If I understood you correctly, your argument means that the Head of the Govt. and the PN leader should be different.

And what about local councils?, which (in Malta) are purely 'executive'. The PN Govt. was so content to introduce partisan politics in them. Ironic, isnt it?

Marcel Dingli

Aug 21st 2008, 09:34

@ The Times
In this report you say that AN officials resigned their political post, in another you report that they resigned as Civil Servants. Please clarify , as the latter report clearly indicates that they have a stainless steel spine when compared to the previous reporting.
(Editor's Note: The AN officials resigned their political posts.)

Joseph Ellis

Aug 21st 2008, 08:09

If the rules are being applied in a discriminatory manner, that is bad and the Principal Permanent Secretary should investigate. However, the underlying rule that civil servants above a certain grade should not be involved in politics is still valid today and should not be discarded.

The executive should be manned by as apolitical persons as is humanly possible. The old rule that MP's should not be public servants should not have been discarded as it is a sacred principle of the separation of powers that members of the legislature should not be part of the executive and vice-versa. MP's should be adequately remunerated and not be allowed to"work" in the public service to make up for their miserbale honorarium.

In the same line of reasoning, persons who are involved in a prominent political role should be seconded to the party they adhere to but not be allowed to occupy a dual role. Of course, this is expensive but principles should be stuck to.

Lora Gauci

Aug 20th 2008, 23:41

On the same week of the election, Harry Vassallo was arrested on charges that date back 10 to 12 years. Back then Gonzi also stated that he did not know what was going on, even though someone from Net News knew before the arrest even happened. Remarkably, the PN rapporteur didn't call his beloved leader to inform him about the injustice that was about to occur but instead, decided to call Vassallo for his last words. Then, when the mess had already taken place Gonzi intervened to save the day. On the matter Gonzi promised, that he was to investigate and that nothing of the sort will ever happen again.

Doesn't this sound any similar???

Margaret Richards

Aug 20th 2008, 22:22

Even if the Prime Minister declared that he did not know about this issue..............something which i cannot understand..................the psychological damage has been done to Victor and his family. I thought that the days of political discrimination were a thing of the past long dead. Seems i was terribly wrong. Also how come that these things are still happening in a s 'democratic country'???

Lynn Zahra

Aug 20th 2008, 15:48

Thank goodness the Prime Minister , who has every right to go on holiday , takes his laptop with him and checks in on what's going on in this banana republic through the Internet!

Gonzi intervened and acted timely and wisely but he shouldn't allow his prestigious office to continue being contaminated by such vindictive bureaucreats. Next time this happens, he may not be around to pick up the pieces.

This was nothing but an act of will, knowingly acting in a politically discriminating manner against Victor Galea. I say this because the bureaucrat involved isn't worth his salt if he didn't realise that he was discriminating against this politician - but I guess he reasonsed spitefully :

" So what if this ultimatium goes against Galea's fundamental human right ?
He can only sue the government , not me - and until a judgement is metted out by the courts, Galea will spend the next six or seven years in court and out of a job ! hurray!"

Victor was lucky that Gonzi intervened in time - many other have not been so lucky at the hands of spitefull , vindictive people.

I,

E. Azzopardi

Aug 20th 2008, 12:11

The left hand does not know what the right one is doing!!! I have always been of the opinion that ''communication'' is not one of this island's forte. Far from it.

Joe Galea

Aug 20th 2008, 11:00

The laughable part of the article is "spokesman for the Prime Minister told timesofmalta.com that the letter to Mr Galea, and two officials of Azzjoni Nazzjonali, was issued without the knowledge of the Prime Minister or his secretariat. They first learnt about it when they received questions from a newspaper."

Is the prime minister on holiday? we haven't heard him lately or is he cooling down from over exposure in the last elections so not to lose the effect now? Or else, is he busy planning a dreadful budget full of taxes to balance the financial disaster this government has got us into?

regarding Victor Galea's Case, it is so damn ironic, when we have all MP's doing private work or work in public entities. One case which concerns a young PN MP+architect+MEPA representative from Zebbug, is the architect of a project next door putting down a building and re-build a new block with excavations under our property. Funnily their permit was issued so fast...who knows how and why? Hopefully our safety is on the mind of this blessed architect+PN MP. Conclusion, if you are not PN then succumb.

Marcel Dingli

Aug 20th 2008, 09:54

Dear ABC , sue you? No way !! Its the public who judges you and your pathetic reasoning.

Ray Gatt

Aug 20th 2008, 09:49

Mario Borg - probably the unions read the article well. Would you maybe suggest they take to the streets like Zarb and Meilaq intend to do.

Charles Sammut

Aug 20th 2008, 09:48

So Victor Galea is employed with the Ministry of Education and his role in the AD is to promote a cleaner and healthier environment. He is also a leading spokesman against the proposed projects at Hondoq and Ramla. Now the Minister for Gozo also preaches about ECO-GOZO and as recently as last week discussed with the Tourism Minister ways on how to better utilise Gozo's tourist attractions. In the meantime she is yet to take a stand against the Projects proposed for Hondoq and Ramla which clearly would be an environmentalist nightmare. If anyone has to go for conflict of interest it certainly is not Victor..

Ray Gatt

Aug 20th 2008, 09:23

To all you doom mongers who grab any chance to beat the PN govt. (you wish), I suggest you read the article well before you get your whips out. You all conveniently missed ' A spokesman for the Prime Minister told timesofmalta.com that the letter to Mr Galea, and two officials of Azzjoni Nazzjonali, was issued without the knowledge of the Prime Minister or his secretariat. They first learnt about it when they received questions from a newspaper. The Office of the Prime Minister has issued instructions for the letter to be suspended and for the position to be reviewed'. What a bunch of frustrated hypocrites you all are. Is it possible whenever there's a PN govt. anything it does or says is wrong and all the opposition says is right?

Karl Abela

Aug 20th 2008, 09:10

Seems to me that the Maltese people are experts in the art of drawing up conclusions without any facts or proper knowledge of whatever has happened. We just love to fantasize and bloat situations out of proportion and blame them on the government. How very convenient. No one challenged the probability of a low government official who probably does not give a toss about the quality of work that he delivers. Oh I forgot, probably at 10am he is already looking forward to leave early . . . And we have also forgotten about the hundreds of labour supporting government officials who deliver lower that lowest working standards as a political protest towards the government. You people better believe it !!!

Mark Vella

Aug 20th 2008, 08:59

Alla jbierek, all this always happens without the PM's knowledge...it's always some minion who commits the mistake, like in Harry Vassallo's case...

Sandro Pace

Aug 20th 2008, 08:52

I think that this action was targetted solely against small parties, to test the waters. I further think that it was specifically targetted against Mr. Victor Galea for the percieved fear of influencing (directly or indirectly) children, catching with him the two AN officials in a net which apparently was not big enough to catch major parties officials in similar positions.

I am not an AD supporter, though I share their environmental concerns, yet I am pleased that the outcome was in favour of Dr. Galea, and consequently the 2 AN officials.

@ Mr. J. J. Camilleri, fortunately Mr. V. Galea had a major weekly paper supporting his cause, which strengthened his case. Not much can be said about the two AN officials, who were rarely mentioned in the media.

Democracy is not only strengthened by widening voting rights (if at all), but also by letting people with brains participate actively in it. But apparently, if these do not fall within the MLPN closed framework, these are feared.

Joseph Portelli

Aug 20th 2008, 08:39

What a democracy we have here in Malta. Observe the rules, enforce the rules, only when it is politically expedient. Why doesnt MEPA ever observe and follow the rules. You mean no PN people are involved in the party and work for the state. Come on? The extent of PN arrogance and intimidation is frighting.

simon galea

Aug 20th 2008, 08:36

Thanks to the position taken by Mr.Victor Galea the decision been revoked. Well done Mr.Galea for not giving in to pressure. I still cannot figure out how any official at the Management and Personnel Office takes such a controversial decision at his own discretion without the knowledge of the Prime Minister. Too good to be true!
It is now the responsibility of whoever issued this letter to apologize and for the Prime Minister to make sure such disgraceful events will never occur.

Joe Galea

Aug 20th 2008, 07:48

@Victor Vella: What Mintoff has to do with this?

This one little chip in the large frame of government incompetencies. Or else it's just a deception point so that Gonzi comes out of it as the Saviour.

Most probably we will have him canonised soon!! San Gonzi jaqla l-grazzji!!

Ramon Casha

Aug 20th 2008, 05:37

@C. Scerri:

I don't think we should blame the civil servants in question. What exactly are they supposed to do if not "go by the book"? They are given a set of explicit instructions to follow. At most they may be taken to task if they're not applying the rules to everyone equally. It is the book that is wrong. The PM might not have been personally aware of this incident but surely he knew about the regulation in question.

There are many laws and regulations which are anachronistic and desperately need some revision.

Denis Catania

Aug 20th 2008, 01:22

I Abela: You are right, when a Government is office too long, it sometimes hurt the nation. I'm not sure that this is the case, in this situation. But this why it's important to have a strong opposition.Hopefully Joseph Muscat will be the balance of our democracy. No party should be stopped from expressing their ideas, even if there ideas are stupid and are expressed to young people. If the ideas are stupid , they won't fly for long, believe me. Only when ideas are criminal, that's when the government should step in.

Mark Bugeja

Aug 20th 2008, 00:10

It is unbelievable!!! Now we are back in the 1980's.

Charles Callus

Aug 19th 2008, 23:34

If this 'somebody' did not 'decide to go by the book' he/she would have taken the flak for it. This is a highly hypocritical comment which is not fair on the person who manages the employee relations department, who is a highly respected member of the Public Service. If the Prime Minister and his secretariat think that these rules do not make 'sense and this day and age' they should take immediate steps to amend the PSMC so that whoever wants to participate in the political fora or simply make his/her ideas known to the general public, is able to do so without the fear of retorsion. In the absence of these amendments the employee relations department does not have any other option than that of going 'by the book'.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Aug 19th 2008, 23:12

Marcel Dingli - so, sue me.

mario borg

Aug 19th 2008, 22:34

have not hear anything from the unions till now, especially the MUT....

Marcel Dingli

Aug 19th 2008, 22:17

ABC is your sense of democracy to charge people in Court on probabilities? Are you implying that AN is not democratically set up and run democratically? As you should know as a lawyer your allegation is libelous.

I Abela

Aug 19th 2008, 22:09

@ A Vella

Not again another PN apologist, please. IMF? Are you being serious? So the government now consults with the IMF not with Maltese stake holders? And that proves government right? How pathetic. So what does the IMF say about our miserable wages and shocking inflation?
There were already 30,000 families who couldn't pay a 50% surcharge, now how many more can't pay 95%? I didn't find an answer to that in the IMF report. Maybe you have an answer for me?

And since you want a name of ONE enterprise I will give you ONE name: The Public Lotto. If you want more names just ask. Still if a couple of enterprises managed to do better in private hands, that is no excuse for the lack of government consultation. You must realise that whatever exists in this country is not Gonzi's, it is yours and mine. It can't just be sold in a matter of days to make good for the deficit which the same government accumulated during the years.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Aug 19th 2008, 21:49

Albert Gauci Cunningham - I don't agree with your point - there's nothing wrong with being gay, there's everything wrong with being, say, racist.

John Mizzi - are you living in the same universe as the rest of us?

victor vella

Aug 19th 2008, 21:41

Dawk Human Rights Perit Mintoff

John Mizzi

Aug 19th 2008, 21:36

I wonder who is next on the AD list to be attacked by the PN thugs dressed as government employees! Yes Vote Gonzi PN and get MLP of the 1980s dressed in suits where they use the police and other government employees to do their political work at the right time!

Then all plea innocence of when they realize their silly mistakes. I think PN already lost the plot in this new legislature.

Hello MLP are you there? Any comments about this silliness from the OPM office?

Are we truly living in a democracy! Noooooooo only a pretend democracy.

C. Scerri

Aug 19th 2008, 21:31

Exactly as I predicted - decisions taken by civil servants that go by the book - this is typical and as I said it is not the first time. If an earthquake or better still a nuclear explosion is required, it is for sure amongst the civil service!

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 19th 2008, 21:22

@ABC

Whats wrong if AN influence young people?

Maybe one day ABC should write a book about his definition of democracy.

Personally I hardly agree on anything with AD but surely they have a right to exist as much as AN have.

Abert gauci Cunningham

Aug 19th 2008, 21:21

ABC ---sorry but isn't that the same argument used by the same people not to let gay teachers in their job---because they corrupt students minds.................obviously thats rubbish and so is your argument about AN officials......only when and if people with AN are caught trying to corrupt people's minds with stupid ideas should action be taken. Before such incidents occur it would be downright unfair and undemocratic to dismiss someone because of extreme political beliefs.

..Thank God this situation has been rectified...............and please dear PM make sure it doesn't happen again

Astrid Vella

Aug 19th 2008, 20:51

Thank goodness resolution seems to be in sight for such a shameful botch-up. Irrespective of whether this came from an underling, Victor Galea as well as the AN officials, deserve an apology from on high.

One hopes that this incident and Victor Galea's fighting spirit will turn out to be a blessing in disguise, prompting an overhaul of such outdated and demeaning colonial legislation which is not worthy of our status as an EU member state.

Franco Sciberras

Aug 19th 2008, 20:40

Admittedly, what happened to the persons involved is not nice.

The nice thing is that in Malta we have such things as the freedom of the press and means to remedy injustices and civil service silliness and that the system immediately rectiifies itself.

Much ado about nothing!

Marcel Dingli

Aug 19th 2008, 20:25

@Jeremy J Camilleri
They are NOT ANR officials. Do you understand or not that AN and ANR are separate entities?

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Aug 19th 2008, 20:16

How typical. A decision is taken to mitigate the results of a previous decision that was not to the liking of many, and the same (or similar people) grumble about the fact that the new decision was taken!

Is it only me, or is anyone else worried about the fact that AN (not AD, their democratic credentials are perfectly ok, obviously) exponents have influence over young minds?

Oh well, that's the fun of democracy, I suppose.

philip pace

Aug 19th 2008, 19:47

Welcome to the circus,
It is just the scenario of going forward three steps and two steps back UP THE HILL!
Enjoy the bananas

Jeremy J Camilleri

Aug 19th 2008, 19:46

My point exactly Mr.Dingli, as I said, Mr Vella, who is an AD official, fought it out bravely, whilst the ANR officials resigned without a whimper...

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 19th 2008, 19:42

I think this decision is based on common sense.

Joe Grima

Aug 19th 2008, 19:38

The second contribution in this blog is not mine. However my view on this issue is 1) that to keep alive such anachronistic regulations in 2008 rates us as an ex-colony that has not been abale to remove its colonialist shackles and that includes its colonial mentality. People who apply these rules with such force are just morons living on another planet and in another century 2) We badly need a Ministry for the revision of laws to update our legistation and bring it in line with the 21st century. The Italians have introduced such a Ministry. The Minister for the revision of Laws is Calderoli assisted by an under secretary in the Prime Minister's Offce, to ensure that the PM is fuly abreast of what's happening.

Victor Galea of all people. Such a charming and correct person . Did the Government think that Victor was about to start some campaign corrupting childrens' minds in favour of the Greens? Pathetic!

Marcel Dingli

Aug 19th 2008, 19:32

@ Jeremy J Camilleri

ANR and AN are two separate entities, although they have members which are in both groups.

A.Vella

Aug 19th 2008, 19:31

@ I Abela

“Take for example the Surcharge? Where was the consultation?”

Errmmm… did you see IMFs last report on Malta and the surcharge issue? And please do realise the integrity and great importance of IMF. Surely IMF being the consultation entity proves the government is in the right, but don't take my word, have a look - http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080813/business/imf-assesses-malta-elimination-of-subsidies-welcomed/

“Another example is the privatisation of various govt companies? Where is the consultation?”
Name me one privitisation that went through that did not bring it a major well being to the public in general.

By the way, when you speak of consultation, can you define who should the government exactly confer with?

J. Schembri

Aug 19th 2008, 19:20

@Ralph Cassar : people judge others by their own standards.

John Camilleri

Aug 19th 2008, 18:46

Some people have the knack and insights to see the black evil hand and evil intentions of the PM in everything that happens. Is this paranoia?

Maria Dolores Fenech

Aug 19th 2008, 18:40

I recall some ex/ministers being lecturers at the University of Malta such as Prof Demarco. Does it make him any different from a teacher? Two ways two measures?

Jeremy J Camilleri

Aug 19th 2008, 18:32

Seems that the ANR officials had a lot less steel in their backbone than Mr.Galea...

And yet still no official comment from the other parties...Pity!!!

Sandro Galea

Aug 19th 2008, 18:27

The issue here is not Victor Galea or AD. In fact, the article itself states that Stephen Cachia is a Head of a Public School and he is the Vice Chairperson of AD. Rather, one has should argue that the regulations that were applied in this case need to be updated. Otherwise, it does not make sense to argue that these regulations should not be applied to Victor Galea or anyone else.

P. Attard

Aug 19th 2008, 17:05

Why would the integrity or conflict of interest of teachers, engineers, pharmacists and nurses (who are forbidden to hold a post in the civil service and be active in politics) be more questionable than the conflict of interest of architects, doctors or criminal lawyers?

Dr. Inġ Patrick Attard AD
http://patrickattard.blogspot.com

Ralph Cassar

Aug 19th 2008, 16:32

Be prepared to have Lawrence Gonzi declare that he 'knows nothing'. He never does it seems. Meanwhile some invisible hand does the PN's dirty work.

Mario Cardona

Aug 19th 2008, 16:28

All my simpathy to my ex colleague and personal friend Victor. Just don't give up. We educators stand to gain from your your fight.

Michael Briguglio

Aug 19th 2008, 15:44

The OPM is quoting rules which are an unwelcome relic of colonial times, notwithstanding their appearance in the updated Public Service Management Code. Such rules does not only preclude most civil servants from occupying a post in a political party, but also preclude them from speaking in public on matters of political controversy, expressing views on public matters on letters to the press and from canvassing on behalf of parliamentary candidates.

OPM is being discriminatory against Victor Galea as there are many other civil servants who are active in politics - and who have been so for years. When I was a civil servant I myself was never asked to make such a ridiculous choice. Luckily, as a university lecturer, I am exempt from these antiquated rules. But does it make sense to have two weights two measures? Unfortunately, somebody has chosen to pick on Victor Galea...

I urge the Nationalist and Labour Parties to condemn such discrimination, and the Office of the Prime Minister to revise its outdated regulations on political activism, which, after all, is a basic civil right.

E. Serracino Inglott

Aug 19th 2008, 14:41

Can anyone explain why a teacher (although employed by the government) cannot also fulfill a function in a political party? I fail to see why this could lead to any conflict of interest (especially if the political party in question is not even in government and therefore not able to enact laws!). Totally incomprehensible!

Jeremy J Camilleri

Aug 19th 2008, 13:59

It is just another PN show of strength and arm twisting aimed at silencing Aternattiva.

This is the tactic used by the PN when dealt with anything it perceives as a potential threat.

I suggest that all Alternattiva activists check their accounts rigorously for fear of getting arrested by an inefficient(was that the word used) police force on the eve of the next election.

On the other hand, however, the Labour party should definitely speak out.

If something is wrong, (and in this case, political discrimination looks to be rather evident)it is always wrong, even if not affecting you directly!!!

In this case, If the Malta Labour remains silent, it is an accomplice in this wrongdoing.

I Abela

Aug 19th 2008, 13:46

This is just the beginning. That is what you get when you have a party in government for a long time. Doesn't anyone notice that this government is leaning towards dictatorship? For this government democracy has become as = You are free to do and say whatever you want , as long as you do and say whatever I say. Take for example the Surcharge? Where was the consultation? Where was the impact assessment? Another example is the privatisation of various govt companies? Where is the consultation? When was it last time that almost all unions where calling for industrial actions against govt? Late 80's remember? After a very long time of Labour govt. Same is happening now. And there is still 4 years and 6 months left. The worst is yet to come.

C. Scerri

Aug 19th 2008, 13:41

@Kevin though I agree with you but I would rather wait to hear the official side - knowing the civil service, I would not be surprised that this is the work of some low level official, picking up the book and finding some sentence that seems to give him such a power! It has happened to me several times and when I challenge them to give me line and verse, I find out that they had completely misunderstood the rule!

Kevin Borg

Aug 19th 2008, 13:08

It is a shame.

Why is the Goverment asking Mr.Galea to resign because he forms part of a political party. Is there no Nationalist member of parliament or activist or council member with a goverment post in his pocket?

I ask personally Dr.Gonzi to intervene and publically apologize to Mr. Galea for this ill tasted act. Anyone who follows the local political scene knows perfectly that Mr.Galea is always balanced and never agressive when he conveys his party's message.

As a Nationalist voter I am ashmed that the Goverment I voted in power has fallen so low.

Charles Stafrace

Aug 19th 2008, 13:02

Has everybody forgotten that there has always been - and there still are - Members of Parliament that are Government employees? How more political can one go than that?

Alexander Cortis

Aug 19th 2008, 13:02

If the PN are so scared of the Greens and wish to either silence them or do away with them altogether, the easy way to do it is to adopt all their green policies into the GonziPN psche and manifesto, thereby removing the Greens' 'raison d'etre'.
AD/Greens are there only because no other party had adopted genuine Green policies, and obviously not just in Malta.
The trouble is everyone knows, but won't admit it, that the only politics that will survive in the future are those based on Green ethics, especially when the whole world is confronted by the dire consequences of its own plunder of the planet for quick and easy financial gain. The immutable law of cause and effect never changes, and so 'we ain't seen nothing yet' and the worst is still to come.
Does anyone doubt we have made a mess of the planet and squandered most of its resources on a quick-fix, 'buy-now-pay-later', warped mentality?

D.MANGION

Aug 19th 2008, 12:06

Those, like me who had the fortune of talking to, or listening to Victor Galea, know that he has a unique way of communicating with people and a fantastic way to convey a message through.
By denying a teaching job to Victor Galea, the government is doing a vendication to all students and potential students who will be denied the privilege of learning from such a wonderful capable teacher.
Maybe AD administration can go around the rules and replace Mr. Gelea's title from Secretary General to something like Prime Volunteer administrator !
Maybe the people at the top brass of Gonzi's team should try beating arguments with arguments, and not with bureaucratic silencers.

Carmel Cacopardo

Aug 19th 2008, 12:03

I agree with Joe Grima's statement on the Labour Party not taking a definite position against the manner government is treating Victor Galea. In fact I commented on theissue yesterday on my blog.

Would it be wishful thinking for Paul Borg Olivier the new PN Secretary General to take a public position on the matter ?

Adrian Cachia

Aug 19th 2008, 11:48

I think the 'government' should look inside his own house 'Parliament' before pressuring someone to quit his job cos of an affiliation with a political party . We all know there are ministers who still do their job in a way or another while they are serving government posts. Besides that the government should be the first to give an example if he wants everyone to be involved in politics!! It is already hard enough although we are in 2008 to mention something political in the private sector!!

Joseph Grima

Aug 19th 2008, 11:46

After all these years, we must all be used by the PN maneuvers controlled by Dar Malta in Brussels.

But what worries me most is the complete silence on this political discrimination by the 'newly' elected administration of the Maltese Labour Party. I thought that my party was a socialist one. Pity.

Malcolm Seychell

Aug 19th 2008, 11:42

2 AN officials have also been asked to resign.

However it is a scandal that PN and MLP officials are not asked to do the same.