The term republic derives from two Latin words, that is, res pubblica, which means "of the people" and this as opposed to the term monarchy, whereby, figuratively speaking, the state belongs to the sovereign. This system of government probably originated during the Roman Classical Period when the citizens dismissed the last of their tyrannical kings and established what was perhaps the first republic and this about 500 BC.

Malta became a republic in 1974. It must be pointed out that, with the exception of five dissenting voices, parliamentarians voted overwhelmingly for Malta to become a republic.

Previously, Malta formed part of the British Empire and, even after attaining its Independence, for a period retained the Queen as its head of state. Once Malta became a republic it proved essential for the new state to discover its own symbols of authority and select those dates relevant to our Maltese identity. In fact, today Malta has five important national feast days, which we have been traditionally celebrating for a number of years. We have even introduced in our political calendar other notable occasions and this indirectly to affirm the dignity of our young republic. For many years, such occasions would generate enthusiasm and were always well attended by one and all, especially by those who held important public office.

Granted, it is true that substance is far more important than form and that ceremonies and formalities play a very secondary role in matters of state. This notwithstanding, it is still indispensable to pay homage to the more important state ceremonies since ignoring them completely would signify total disrespect not only to tradition but, more importantly, to fundamental issues that help preserve us Maltese as a nation.

Over these last 12 years I too as a parliamentarian had the opportunity to frequent these solemn occasions. Over time, however, I have noticed a stark difference.

The more the time passes the less enthusiastic people seem to be in attending such ceremonies, which have been reduced to a shadow of what they once were.

Worst still, Maltese dignitaries are proving to be conspicuous by their absence. This had prompted me a few years back to write on this subject because I was quite disappointed by the almost non-participation of Malta's public figures in such state ceremonies.

Together with others I had tried in vain to raise awareness on this disrespect to the state. Things, however, have not improved; if anything they have unfortunately regressed. Take, for example, the state celebrations marking one of Malta's national days, the so-called Otto Settembre festivities, which recall Malta's finest moments, the victory of the Great Siege of 1565 and Malta's valour during World War II. Here I was dumfounded to realise that three-fourths of the available seating space reserved for officials was empty. Apart from a few exceptions, practically none of Malta's top civil servants or heads of department cared to attend. Strangely, even parliamentarians and government ministers were practically absent. Unfortunately, there will soon come a time when the President will have to preside over such ceremonies all alone.

In such instances the absence of high-profile able personalities will surely not only devalue the scope of such important occasions but, worse, make a mockery of them. A worse scenario could perhaps be the attendance of only the political class with politicians addressing other politicians. This would surely be the death knell of such occasions and a state that has no pomp and ceremony is perhaps no state at all.

I view jealously on TV similar celebrations being held in other countries and this not merely in European states. Even in countries like the US, which supposedly lacks in tradition and history, state occasions are given a lot of significance.

In analysing in more depth why our republican activities are practically falling to bits, we will meet a definite undertone. In our enthusiasm to introduce radical reforms in our public administration we have practically been tarnishing the respect once afforded to senior administrators. There was a time, and this not so long ago, when senior heads of department were held in high esteem and reverence. These, in return, would only prove too enthusiastic to play their role in the solemn services which come with a republic. Today, the government has emarginated such officials to the extent that they almost feel out of place in such occasions and, therefore, do not bother to attend. Their authority and function has been usurped by a multitude of boards, government authorities, government entities and tribunals.

All of a sudden a great portion of the work traditionally carried out by the civil service is being delegated to separate public entities headed by chairmen and chief executive officers. It has already happened that senior heads of department are finding themselves seated behind these new public officials who, though they carry weight and importance in their own stead, surely do not carry the clout or the traditional prestige of office even though they might be better paid. These are Malta's new "magistracy", only lacking the lustre and clout of their forebears.

The national hierarchy is the fruit of centuries of tradition and, therefore, cannot be uprooted overnight at the whims of a particular Administration.

When such attitudes are taken, the government of the day is given the cold shoulder and will be embarrassed in successive state functions and ceremonies. If the government wants to preserve the prestige of our republic then it ought to take account of this subtle protest and regard its senior servants with more regard. If it fails to do so it will be the state itself that will end up being snubbed.

Dr Herrera is a Labour member of Parliament.