Government preparing anti-racism bill

David Seychell

Nov 21st 2008, 00:19

"Well this is 2008 but it seems that history is about to repeat itself...just can't stomach the thought of being persecuted for my beliefs and ideals...start going ahead with the witch-hunts and dare challenge my beliefs..."

I share your same line of thinking. It sounds like a new form of Inquistion. Back in the old dark ages we had the heretics that didn't believe and think in line with the dogmatic teachings and the alleged witches were burned at the stake. Today the situation is getting similar. Instead of the dogmatic teachings we have the brainwashings, instead of the heretics we have the "evil" xenophobic and instead of the witches we have the racists. Instead of being burned at the stake, today you will be crucified by the media, suppressed and fined or jailed.

Andre` Micallef

Nov 20th 2008, 16:15

This latest outrage on Government's part is straight out of an Orwellian scenario. Remember 1984 and Big Brother? Well this is 2008 but it seems that history is about to repeat itself. The Nationalist Party should know better than let Government get away with this, having been on the receiving end of state oppression in the 70's and 80's. I just can't stomach the thought of being persecuted for my beliefs and ideals. If I feel more comfortable socialising with my fellow countrymen than with the illegal immigrants makes me racist, then I challenge Government to start going ahead with the witch-hunts and dare challenge my beliefs. My mind is my own pigeon, not the Authorities' to take care of. I sincerely hope that Labour will not be an accomplice to this outrage and will vote against in Parliament. Otherwise, this country's hapless citizens will have nobody to defend them.

Government, please just remember that you were elected to safeguard your citizens' interests and not that of some shady NGO.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 20th 2008, 15:35

@ Charles Sammut:

For a search warrant to be issued, the police have to have reasonable leads that cause serious suspicion of illegal activity.

Regarding prefering your own race and feeling more at ease with people who share your culture and values, that cannot be illegal. What could be illegal is denial or infringement of rights on discriminatory basis or hate-speech. It is not racist thought (repulsive as much as it is) that would be illegal, but racist speech and action.

Charles sammut

Nov 20th 2008, 09:38

How would those simplistic enough to say that people who do not harbour racist or xenophobic thoughts need not worry react if government passes a bill empowering special police to do house to house searches as a matter of routine?

Those who have nothing illegal need not worry. Yes right!

How do you define racism? I prefer my own race. I feel more at ease with people who share my culture and values. That makes me racist. Fine, put me in jail.

People who are misfits in their own society or who have an axe to grind are usually the ones that reject their own people and culture in search of something where they would fit, albeit artificially.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 20th 2008, 09:11

@ Denis Catania:

Go ahead and expose. I'm serious. Truth cannot be silenced provided one has the evidence.

M Borg

Nov 20th 2008, 08:15

Will those Maltese making 'remarks' about their fellow Gozitans be prosecuted?
Will those Gozitans making 'remarks' about the fellow Maltese be prosecuted?
will the Northerners who have a view and express themselves against the Southerners be prosecuted?
Which govt department and who is the govt officer to be prosecuted and accused of keeping the illegal Africans in detention centres?
why are illegal Africans being held in detention centres and illegal western Europeans and illegal Chinese, etc, are not treated equally?
Can these accuse the govt of being racist for not providing them with accommodation, food and social services because they are not Maltese or Africans?
Who will finally end up paying the fines our govt will be ordered to pay in such cases?
Is this being done to please Brussels??
Can we Maltese sue the EU for being racist against us and not accepting to share the burden with illegal Africans? (its not money that we want but every Member State take an equal share of immigrants).
Can we sue the Baltic Member States for this also?
Can we sue our PM for imposing such heavy financial burden on lower classes instead of the high class? Is this racism??????????????

deb bugeja

Nov 20th 2008, 08:11

Issa ahjar! Qeghdin fit 2008 u ma nistghux nitkellmu dak li nhossu ghal pajjizna. fejn hi d demokrazija? Se nergghu nigu bhas 1980 ma tistax tohrog b gazzetta f idek ghax taqghlaqha.

Nahseb irid jaghmel hekk biex il Ministru ma jidherx ikrah ghax gejjin hafna illegal immigrants is sena d diehla. se nkomplu nimtlew bihom u hadd mill pajjizi tal EU mhu se jiehu minnhom.

Denis Catania

Nov 19th 2008, 18:52

@Kenneth Cassar: One is not letting foreign media in the pre WW1 detention centers. Do you think Michelle Obama knows Africans are stockpiled behind barbed wire in Malta?? Like animals.

Do you think people in America know, that in Malta illegal immigrants from the former soviet bloc are in beautiful flats, while Africans are kept in tents and detention centers??
Kenneth we have a lot to expose. Wait till Jan 20th 2009. Maybe you can join us at one of the joint African American/ Maltese protest in front of the Maltese mission to the United Nations in New York on February 2009. We will be serving lunch and refreshments.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 18:25

To all:

I might not waste any more time replying to wild speculations. At this point, I will only repeat that if you believe someone is innocent until proven guilty, don't you think this would apply to the government too?

So, before making any wild and baseless speculations, ask yourself this question: Is this in the bill?

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 18:19

@ Denis Catania:

So can we, but what is it that the government is secretly doing, that you will expose?

Denis Catania

Nov 19th 2008, 18:01

I am proud to say. I am protected by the 1st Amendment. I can go anywhere the Maltese government has an office in the U.S.A. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. Which includes all government offices and residentials of Maltese officials and can expose anything the government is doing.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 17:59

@ Denis Catania:

What makes you think that Michelle Obama reads The Times of Malta?

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 17:48

@ David Muscat:

I don't need to verify your examples. I know they happen, just as in some countries men will find themselves in trouble if they complement (politely) a woman colleague at their office.

However, we cannot say that this will necessarily happen in Malta...what I say is let's find out what the bill is all about before commenting.

Regarding the case of the librarian you mention, the librarian was found not guilty - end of story. I know that it is not pleasant to be falsely accused. I know...in the eighties I was arrested (in a theft case) and released after two days without even being taken to court, just because I had long hair.

Denis Catania

Nov 19th 2008, 17:47

Two questions for Michelle Obama.
1. Who is a racist, the people trying to gain freedom of movement within the EU for Africans. Which will help the Maltese and the illegals???

2. Who is a racist, the people NOT trying to gain freedom of movement within the EU for Africans. Would rather see them somewhere where there is no work, no space, plenty of cheap labor and somewhere they don't want to be???

David Muscat

Nov 19th 2008, 16:01

@ K Cassar

I am pleased to see that we are in agreement. However over the top political correctness is what we will get. If it happened in the other countries of the EU it will happen to us.

The examples I gave below are just the tip of the iceberg. Due to lack of space I only included a few links. I suggest you look at them and try to think of the reasonon why these cases will not occur in Malta. Remember it could be you at the centre of an unjust accusation of racism.

Its happened in Malta already, to a librarian who subsequently was found not guilty. Imagine if the plantiff had the police and attorney general on his side too because of the new laws. He was found not guilty but he still went through months of stress and worry. Would you want that?

David Seychell

Nov 19th 2008, 15:46

@Kenneth Cassar

"As for anyone accusing someone of being a racist, and the person having to prove he/she is not, a just society would work in the opposite direction - innocent until proven guilty."

I agree 100%. But unfortunately that is not how reality is. In Malta, those in favour of gender equality/positive discrimination recently pressured the Gov to pass a law about sexual harassment that states that you are guilty until proven innocent. That 'unjust' law is now a reality.

"I hope you're joking."

I was not joking just giving some hypothetical examples.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 13:17

@ David Seychell:

If I recall well, I think you already know that I oppose "positive" discrimination.

As for anyone accusing someone of being a racist, and the person having to prove he/she is not, a just society would work in the opposite direction - innocent until proven guilty. A just society would also not incriminate anyone for "thought-crime". Laws, in democratic societies, are usually about action (including some forms of speech - like libel, for example), not thought.

As for having to prove one is not a racist by marrying a black woman or paying a donation, I hope you're joking. I don't believe that happens anywhere on the planet.

Finally, I don't believe that anyone commenting has any details on the bill being prepared. So all the "hysteria" is only due to wild speculation. If you believe someone is innocent until proven guilty, don't you think this would apply to the government too?

David Seychell

Nov 19th 2008, 12:37

@Kenneth Cassar

"Thought cannot be criminalised (how can one determine what I'm thinking, unless I show it through action?),"

You hit the nail on its head! Don't underestimate the creativity of those behind positive (sic) discrimination. For example a law could state that whoever is accused of being a racist -i.e. someone who thinks that race A is inferior to race B- would be guilty until proven innocent (to the contrary 'innocent until proven guilty'). Hence if for example I am accused of being a racist I would have to prove that I don't think that a race is inferior to the other. And since they can't "determine what I'm thinking" I would have to prove that I think otherwise "through action" by for example marry a black women or pay a donation to the illegal immigrants or else be jailed.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 19th 2008, 09:54

@ David Seychell:

One must make a distinction between racist/xenophobic thought and action. Thought cannot be criminalised (how can one determine what I'm thinking, unless I show it through action?), and it shouldn't. I believe that in every point in time, people can't help being what they are. Luckily, education can change people.

Racist/xenophobic action (which includes hate-speech), on the otherhand, is a different question.

I might not agree with all the laws of my country, and might believe that some of them are unjust, but I only break the law at my own risk.

David Seychell

Nov 19th 2008, 09:04

@Andrew Borg-Cardona and K Cassar

"Anyone who is not a racist, xenophobic thug need not worry."
"people who are neither racists nor xenophobes need not worry"

I find these comments shocking. Do you guys realise the extremism of your comments? This means that whoever is xenophobic has to worry. Xenophobic means having fear of the foreign, so we are now persecuting people for just having a normal feeling/emotion like fear. What's the next in line? To burn at the proverbial stake those that fear fire? We are now going to be persecuted not only for expressing our opinions but also for just thinking or having feelings. With these kinds of laws we would be jailed just for looking at a black skin.

@Michelle Dali
"The sad thing is that if one is 'white' anyone can be racist towards you and you just have to sit back and take it. Racist laws do not defend all races, unfortunately, and racism works both ways."

That is what positive discrimination or affirmative action really is. The next MEP election is our last last chance to prevent all this.

Anthony Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 23:54

I keep seeing in some comments the reference that Maltese regard themselves as 'white'. Have these people who regard themselves white ever lived in 'WHITE' countries such as the UK, Australia the USA and so on? I have lived in the UK for many years and now living in Australia for the last 25 years and I have yet to find a local who would identify us Maltese as WHITE. Having said that I'm very happy in my skin. I think it is best to be colour blind. Live and let live.

Michelle Dali

Nov 18th 2008, 22:51

I have to agree with the commentators here who say that the reason this law is being prepared is to silence the people who dare to voice their opinion about the current situation in Malta with regard to the huge influx of illegal immigrants. The government is failing to solve the problem and obviously is unhappy with the pressure being exerted by people who speak out against its failure. Dr Mifsud Bonnici, that is called freedom of speech and when you become a politician, you have to be prepared to accept criticism.

I would hate to see what has happened in the UK with regard to racist laws happen in Malta. The many examples quoted here are real. The sad thing is that if one is 'white' anyone can be racist towards you and you just have to sit back and take it. Racist laws do not defend all races, unfortunately, and racism works both ways.

A relative was recently called a 'white-assed b***h' by a black woman who moved into the neighbourhood and whose son had been bullying her daughter. In the meantime, the children in the school they both attend have been banned from using the word 'black'.

lgalea

Nov 18th 2008, 22:00

This is simply a measure to muzzle the people from protesting against the ILLEGAL immigrants INVASION as it has aptly been called by none other than the Prime Minister himself.

They want to muzzle the people because everyone is now seeing and talking about the unsustainable situation and the damage the ILLEGAL immigrants INVASION is causing to the Maltese population.

Maltese people must protest against this DICTATORIAL muzzling which the Government is seeking to impose upon the Maltese people who show their preoccupation, concern and protest against the ILLEGAL immigrants INVASION and what is being imposed on the Maltese people.

THIS IS DICTATORSHIP AT ITS BEST (OR WORST)
AND THEY HAD THE GALL TO TALK ABOUT THE KGB IN THE EX-USSR!!!!

Kevi Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 21:35

If you cannot beat them muzzle them. That is the approach of the current justice minister. Instead of realizing that more than half the country is fed up of this illegal immigrants phenomenon, he goes up the ivory tower and shuts tight the door so as not to hear us grumbling. And in case we are heard then the law can be enforced on us to stop indefinitely. Wow what an idea. I wonder who is being xenophobic if it is those who grumble and voice out their concern about immigration or the government himself.

And to add insult to injury the minister is telling us that the grumbles are not justified because the immigrants are beginning to leave on their own initiative. If you live in the clouds or on the dark side of the moon you may believe what the minister is saying. In my opinion this is not a mature approach. The people should be educated about the issue and not forced not to speak. Oppression brings round repression.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 18th 2008, 20:08

@ Martin Farrugia:

Again, complaining against illegal immigration need not be xenophobic (although much of it is).

Regarding the law being used "discriminately" (I think you meant indiscriminately), if the law really incriminated all those complaining against immigration, it would have to be immediately repealed, since the prisons would be full in a single day.

I honestly believe you are making a mountain out of a molehill.

David Muscat

Nov 18th 2008, 19:44

Last month the Timesof Malta featured an article where a drug pusher who had swallowed several capsules filled with drugs was called a mule. One reader immediatly wrote in the comments section, that the article in question was racist, not knowing that the word mule is used to describe people who swallow drugs to transport them.

Who is to say if the next time a similar incident happens, some dogooder will phone the Police and the journalist in question will be hauled off to the police station to be quizzed on charges of racism?

If it can happen to the mother of a six year old who put a doll in the window, it can happen to a journalist too.

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/s/1067229_golly_mum_denies_racism

Joseph E Briffa

Nov 18th 2008, 19:41

This could very well be a very dangerous move. It could lead to abuse and places the foreigner in a favourable position; it gives these people more rights than the natives which is grossly unfair. If a Maltese applies for a job, attends an interview and is not chosen, it's just tough luck. If on the other hand say a black applies and is turned down, he/she can sue the potential employer for discrimination. Although not necessarily successful, the plaintiff would definitely be a cause of concern and stress for the defendant. I am not saying that blacks should be considered an inferior race, but their rights should be on par with the locals. Giving them more rights than the natives - which would definitely result from the introduction of such legislation - will result in discrimination against the locals, as happened already in cases in the UK, Belgium, Norway. Observers believe that bills of this nature are usually introduced at the behest of bodies representing the immigrants and ironically stir up intense hate for immigrants as the natives see the immigrants as the cause for being muzzled by their own government.

Andrew Borg-Cardona

Nov 18th 2008, 19:12

What a disgraceful shower most of the people commenting below are. Anyone who is not a racist, xenophobic thug need not worry. On the other hand, if some are worried, as their bile clearly demonstrates, then "if the cap fits...."

Marcel Dingli

Nov 18th 2008, 18:37

Will the new law protect us Maltese too? One of these illegals tried boarding a bus with 6 euro cents and called the driver a FU????G BA????D.
Would the Maltese driver and others be protected by this new law?

Mark Aloisio

Nov 18th 2008, 18:19

Dear Michael Scicluna: if you choose to define your identity through the right to denigrate and discriminate against others because of their race or ethnicity then that's your problem. I suspect however that more people will be happy to live in a society that values a person's dignity more than it values the right to insult that person because of their ethicity, colour, or beliefs.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 18th 2008, 18:10

@ David Muscat:

You will be pleased to learn that I am opposed to over-the-top political correctness, or of the abuse of anti-racist laws.

You'll be surprised to learn that I would even make burqas illegal.

John Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 18:06

Eric Gahn: regarding the Patriot Act, you have no idea what you are talking about. There are many problems in the United States today, but I assure you that one can speak against the government whenever he or she wants.

Martin Farrugia

Nov 18th 2008, 18:03

Notice that the law 'attacks xenophobia'. Xenophobia is fear of foreigners not racism. The anti-racism act is already in force. The law is obviously a new tool which will be used descrimately to muzzle up a vociferous section of society at whim, like for example us. So far we are not breaking any laws when complaining against illegal immigrants as that is not defines as racism. However with such a law is in force we could effectively be fined , arrested or barred from commenting. The Times would certainly take this law into consideration when vetoing which comments will appear here.

David Muscat

Nov 18th 2008, 17:46

@K. Cassar -people who are neither racists nor xenophobes need not worry.

That's were you are wrong. If the UK is anything to go by, it will create a state of affairs where people will start claiming discrimination to obtain compensation. Witness the present saga in the Metropolitan Police.

Any attempts to sack people because of gross incompetence will result in accusations of discrimination being levelled if they happen to be of a different ethnicity. Even hiring/failing to hire somebody could land you in trouble. See link . Consider if you want this to happen in your country.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1027300/How-I-nearly-lost-business-refusing-hire-Muslim-hair-stylist-wouldnt-hair.html

This isn't a one off . There are hundreds of others.

The four year old who was interviewed bythe headteacher andnearly ended up arrested along with his parents for spitting on another student who happened to be coloured.

The lady whose DNA and fingerprints were taken by police was interrogated for an hour on suspicion of racially-aggravated public order after her six year old daughter put a golly doll in a window .

Denis Catania

Nov 18th 2008, 17:42

I think an anti-racism bill is what Malta needs. Will the Africans be charged when they insult a Maltese, just because they are Maltese and are not black? Who from the government will be charged for keeping Africans in tents? Who from the government will be charged for keeping former soviet bloc illegals out on the streets, while Africans are in tents? What countries from Europe, is the government going to charge or stand up too. For not accepting these African illegals.
At our demonstration in front of the French Embassy in New York on Dec 5th 2008. We might have to show the pictures of Africans behind barbed wire. To tell the world it's not the Maltese people that are racists, but the Maltese government. Has anyone from WenzuPN's government ever asked publicly a northern state why they won't accept illegal immigrants from Africa??? Has anyone from WenzuPN's government called any of these countries a racist??? WHY NOT???

Michael Scicluna

Nov 18th 2008, 17:26

So now we are also going to give up our own identity. Something we have been proud of, that we have our own identity, and have treasured what our forefathers fought for by tooth and nail. Yet we will have to be controlled what to say or what to do. Who is racist, when i will not be able to say Happy Christmas. Yesterday I was watching a TV Show about racism and out of 10 on the panel there were not a clergy person or any one to defend our true identity. Except there was strong comments that there is a lot of racism and lack of education about the matter in Malta and that the Maltese are not tolerant.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 18th 2008, 17:18

@ I M Dingli:

I know what you meant regarding mentioning the name of Gaddafi, but I still don't see the connection.

Like I said, debating immigration laws (or immigration itself) does not have to be either racist or xenophobic. In fact, I don't believe that all commentators who are anti-immigration are racist or xenophobes.

The one sentence about the bill says that the bill attacks xenophobia and racism. If this is actually so (we'll have to wait and see), people who are neither racists nor xenophobes need not worry.

Bernard Mamo

Nov 18th 2008, 17:15

Clandestines aren't the only people with a different race in malta.
There are people who dislike chinese, americans, africans, middle eastern, americans, europeans and even fellow Maltese. This bill would address all of these i guess not just the klandestini. I still don't want the illegals here but it has nothing to do.

Muscat Pat

Nov 18th 2008, 17:00

There is nothing wrong with this law if it is pointed against those who say that certain races are " inferior" to the white ones. If it is so it should be commended and applauded. But, if it is simply a law to stifle those who defend the already over crowded space of tiny Malta, against the multitudes of people in China, Asia and Eastern Europe and who want to come here; then really God help us!
This shows , once again that Dr Gonzi has lost touch with what the already overcrowded Maltese living in malta and Gozo feel and have to endure.

I M Dingli

Nov 18th 2008, 16:59

@ Kenneth Cassar

Obviously it has nothing to do directly with the proposed bill. My point is, to make it easier for you to comprehend, that in Libya you cannot mention the name of Gaddafi because of possible repercussions, here in Malta, a person will not be able to give an opinion on the daily occurrences (especially during the summer months) because of repercussions if this bill makes it through.

David Muscat

Nov 18th 2008, 16:53

Are they being made to silence any opposition?
Will our race laws be used as in Belgium to convict people who never made any racist remarks and were not present when they were made?

http://newsouthwails.blogspot.com/2008/10/belgian-politician-bart-debie-jailed.html

or llike in the Uk where a person was removed from an Airmalta flight because he asked a ground hostess where she came from and she took offense as she was Pakistani.

or again in the UK where a schoolgirl was arrested because she requested to join a different class group as she did not want to carry out groupwork with other children who were speaking in Urdu and didn't speak english. She was arrested and placed in a Police cell.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-410150/Schoolgirl-arrested-refusing-study-non-English-pupils.html

Will the person being accused be considered guilty until proved otherwise as in the case of Norway? Two ambulancemen were urinated on by a Somali victim who needed help . They called the police to take him to hospital. The media interpreted it as racism and a witchunt commenced.
http://www.brusselsjournal.com/node/3576

Will our laws be modelled on these countries laws?

T Mifsud

Nov 18th 2008, 16:43

This feels more like oppression. Should I feel big brother government hunting me if I express my opinion even if it related to immigration? That's in China or in the UK. Does anyone know that when the anti-racism bill in the UK was enacted, the nursery rhyme "Ba Ba Black Sheep" was outlawed from kindergartens? The new one was "Ba BA Ba Sheep". The word Blackboard was also considered racist and do you know that in Birmingham a woman was arrested (!!) because she ordered a black coffee? She should have said, prosecutors said, coffee without milk. And then you would have women everywhere demanding their right to wear the full body burka even as a teacher!! That is where it goes once such a bill is enacted.

While I have nothing against the unfortunate people themselves, it is useless that the goverment tries to look nice with the 'inclusionists' by enacting an anti-racism bill while tackling this national and European crisis. We are prisoners of our own vote by the introduction of this Muzzling Act

Simon Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 16:09

@Debattista Frans

As an avid reader of European history, I would challenge you to mention wars that started due to anti-racism laws. On the other hand one need not go far to think of wars that were caused, in part, by xenophobic tensions.

Debattista Frans

Nov 18th 2008, 15:56

Sorry guys but in maltese is much more straightforward!!!

U Halina sur Ministru........
.ahjar tara kif ha tnaqqar mill ispejjez zejda u l- hela tad dawl u l-ilma tal ministeru tieghek u tal qorti fi zmienijiet daqshekk iebsin li gejjin fuqna , milli tinhela fuq affarijiet sekondarji.

u Jekk jien mandiex pjacir bihom (imma mhux qed ninsulentahom bl ghemil jew bil fomm), andi nissejah razzist!! Aqra l - istorja ta Ewropa u tirrealizza li l gwerrer min xiex bdew.

Kenneth Cassar

Nov 18th 2008, 15:50

It seems like several commentators have given free-reign to speculation from just one sentence regarding "a bill attacking xenophobia and racism". I would hope that the commentators criticising this one sentence actually oppose xenophobia and racism themselves (note that debating immigration laws does not necessarily imply xenophobia or racism).

Well, here are a few replies to some comments:

@ Eric Gahn: The single sentence you are replying to says nothing about "silencing dissenting voices". Your comment is just speculation.

@ Malcolm Seychell: Again...speculation. The bill, according to the one sentence, attacks xenophobia and racism...nothing more, nothing less.

@ Ivan Scicluna: Freedom of speech ends when incitement to discrimination or violence begins.

@ Martin Farrugia: An anti-racism bill serves the purpose of actually stopping witch-hunts, except that the hunted in this case are the true victims (of racism).

@ I M Dingli: What has the name of Gaddafi got to do with an anti-racism bill?

@ the rest: Instead of indulging in conspiracy theories, why not wait until you have more details. The bill has to pass through the parliamentary process, in any case.

Chris Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 15:46

Will this law also act against those who spread hate, stereo-types and prejudice against fellow Maltese (on basis of political allegiance, socio-economic background, place of residence etc. ? If no, than it's just one of those things done to try to impress our EU partners.

Sandro Pace

Nov 18th 2008, 15:43

If tackling the issue of illegal immigration from an ethnic identity pov is going to be termed as racism, then I will be the first to defy this wrong bill.
First they term it an invasion, then they shut your mouth against it. The more they suppress people's sentiments on this issue, the worse it will become.

Edwin Mifsud

Nov 18th 2008, 15:41

Is this an attempt to silence anyone who challenges the government’s failures on the issue?

Is buy any chance Mr. Mifsud Bonnici not too convinced himself that his burden sharing pact will not work too good and is preparing his defense against his critics?

And once again I ask!

What is the maximum number of illegal immigrants that Malta can accommodate?

Joseph Cauchi

Nov 18th 2008, 15:26

@ Dr. Carm Mifsud Bonnici,

INCREDIBLE !,
UNBELIEVABLE !
MA NISTAX NIFHEM !

I can't believe of what I have just read !

Is it possible that our government hasn't more important matters to take care of?

This anti-racism bill is nothing but a witch-hunt to genuine Maltese citizens.

Now Maltese citizens are going to be persecuted in their own country by their own government whom they have enthusiastically elected only some months ago ! - UNBELIEVABLE -.

Fejn ser nispiccaw ?

Please God help us ! ! !

../..

c.camilleri

Nov 18th 2008, 15:16

I think that our Minister for Justice has much more important things to do than waste his time with this anti racism bill. This seems to me to try to suppress the wild opposition to influx of illegal immigrants. I think that amending the penalties for offenders would be much more appreciated by law abiding citizens. In other countries for example death caused by drivers because of speeding or drink driving or because of the use of mobile phone can carry a penalty of imprisonment. Are prisoners not earning remission already? What about booking their remaining term of imprisonment in one of hotels? At least they will be booked all the year round.

d. borg

Nov 18th 2008, 15:14

I'm sure this law already exists otherwise which law did Lowell break? I hope it's not an excuse to try to prevent us from airing our views regarding illegal immigration.

Eric Gahn

Nov 18th 2008, 15:13

The Partiot Act made it illegal for anyone to speak out against the Govt. The truth will, maybe, be known once Bush is out.

This government is doing the same by playing the 'racism' card. Anyone who dares speak out against illegal immigrants or the government's policies dealing with this matter will be branded a racist and burned at the proverbial stake!

I M Dingli

Nov 18th 2008, 14:55

I can't believe this! God help us all. It feels like when you travel to Libya and you cannot mention the name of Gaddafi in the streets out of fear of persecution.

U hallina Ministru

Tony Cassar

Nov 18th 2008, 14:50

@Eric Gahn

I think that with the arrival of Africans to our shores, xenophobia will be something that will raise its ugly head, if it hasn't done so already. So Government is merely passing a law to address a shortcoming in our code of laws...

Martin farrugia

Nov 18th 2008, 14:42

Doesn't the governemnt have anything better to do other than organising witch hunts?

Whom is Dr. Mifsud Bonnici trying to please?

Ivan Scicluna

Nov 18th 2008, 14:35

I am curious to know WHAT, exactly, could be termed as "racist"?

One must also uphold that other human right about Freedom of Speech.

André Xuereb

Nov 18th 2008, 14:29

What does the (ridiculous) Patriot Act have anything to do with an anti-racism law?

Simon Borg

Nov 18th 2008, 14:25

@Eric

There is an enormous difference between "silencing dissenting voices" and making illegal the denial of basic human rights. Anti-racism bills in other countries, that I expect this bill will resemble, do not prevent people from pointing out the problems of illegal immigration. These laws are there to prevent discrimination and incitement, not to deny us our freedom of speech.

malcolm seychell

Nov 18th 2008, 14:21

Keep on doing the dirty work of certain NGOs minister.

It is another measure of censorship.

The government should go and get some lessons from Minister Maroni in Italy.

C.Sapiano

Nov 18th 2008, 14:15

Very good. This shows that this government is a moderate centre-right one, and not extreme right or racist as some left-wingers like to imply.

Eric Gahn

Nov 18th 2008, 14:12

Why is the Govt of this so called 'free' country taking steps to silence dissenting voices on its policies on illegal immigrants? After this bill is passed anyone who says so much as a word on this subject that does not fall in line with The Regime's dictum will be liable to prosecution. Is this regime trying to emulate parts of the Bush Regime's Patriot Act?