Friday, 21st November 2008
Central Bank probes alleged leak
The Central Bank has launched an investigation into claims by IT Minister Austin Gatt in Parliament that a bank official leaked confidential information to the Labour party.
Dr Gatt on Tuesday claimed that Sandro Demarco, a Central Bank manager responsible for confidential HCIP (Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices) data that is forwarded to the European Central Bank, leaked information to the Labour Party.
He even said the bank official was a consultant to the opposition, a claim that was vehemently denied by Labour leader Joseph Muscat.
In his reply to Dr Gatt's claims, Dr Muscat on Wednesday accused the IT Minister of lying and described his comments as those of a vindictive government.
He said Dr Gatt had attacked Mr Demarco because he did not find anything to argue against in the MLP's analysis of the budget. Moreover, he said the person referred to on Tuesday was not the author of a report handed over to him.
Dr Muscat said his party had never received the data mentioned by the IT Minister and insisted that the person named did not even have access to it, adding that he was willing to give evidence in court and in the streets about the matter.
The Central Bank said its investigation is being conducted in accordance with its internal procedures in order to establish the facts of the case. The investigation is being led by the chairman of the bank's audit committee, who will appoint experts to assist him.
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Comments
Should the minister in question resign Minister must resign as soon as possible if the person in question is innocent because the minister is part of the public service as well. Minister gatt thinks he is God's gift to humanity, but that's only in his dreams thanks God. He is making the PN feel ashamed. EGOCENTRIC
DR. A Gatt is not such a naive person. He knows what he is doing and when he does it. He is after all a charming fellow who hates no one whose righteousness is proverbial. Do not dare attribute him second thoughts or hidden agenda. Who is the minister responsible for Central Bank Gatt, Gonzi or Fenech?
Please do not point fingers at the lily white. He is after all Prime Minister Understudy who acts and has more power than the meekly Gonzipin.(the speller suggested Agonizing!) Gattpin (the speller suggested Gasping! for breath?) is more appropriate than Gonzi pin.
If you do not like Gantt that's your personal problem he is so likable.
EOE in orthography and appreciation. Gatt don't let your friends excavate your political grave
According to reports, the person mentioned does not have access to the information in question.
So why name a person who may in all probabilities be innocent?
And to cap it all Agostino Pio is a lawyer!
Both of you are correct in that D. Gatt shouldn't have made public the individual's name. Shame on you Dr. Gatt for have taken a page out of Dr. Sant and the MLP.
The supposedly demarcation line between party and government is just a charade.
By all means promote accountability - but pls ensure consistency and application across board.
If he did wrong he should be punished after all are we in favour of a more accountable public service or not?? I think the answer to this question is quite straight forward. This is not a tyrannical approach as the inexperienced Dr. Muscat is claiming but a show of accountability. For crying out loud, the CBM has always been a very independent organisation and if the allegations are true, its reputation could be dented.