AD slams Resources Authority over engineer's dismissal

Alternattiva Demokratika has urged the Malta Resources Authority to reinstate engineer Patrick Attard, describing his dismissal as an attack on the right to freedom of expression and a throwback to the dark 1970s and 1980s.

Mr Attard's service contract with the MRA - to study and promote the introduction of gas vehicles and other matters connected to electricity - was terminated after he allegedly breached professional secrecy in comments he posted on the timesofmalta.com forum on February 26.

Mr Attard accused the Church in Gozo of harming Nadur farmers through the contamination of a water source that was vital to their livelihood.

AD spokesman Ralph Cassar described the allegations against Mr Attard as "non-existent" since his contract was not related to water resources.

"An employee cannot be dismissed without prior warning and without being given the chance to defend himself. This goes against basic ethics," Mr Cassar said.

Mr Attard was informed that his contract was being terminated on the day he posted his comment.

AD called for the Commissioner of Data Protection to investigate the matter to find out how information about the electronic activities of Mr Attard had been transmitted to third parties without his consent.

In a statement, the Resources Ministry dissociated itself from the MRA's decision.

"The ministry doesn't get involved in internal management decisions of authorities which fall under its remit. The ministry does not hold any prejudices against the person concerned, as some are giving the impression, as evidenced by the number of contracts given to him for his consultancy services," the ministry said.