Opposition leader Simon Busuttil this morning said he “did not believe” the government’s reassurance that the Syrians trying to enter Malta from Italy wanted to find a job.
“I am not saying their trip was linked to terrorism, and God forbid if this was the case but the government needs to give replies, reduce risks and show it is in control when it comes to terrorism,” the PN leader said during a short interview on Radio 101.
Dr Busuttil was commenting in the wake of reports in the Italian media that Syrian nationals with suspected links to extremist groups had been detained just as they were boarding a plane to Malta.
In its reaction the government dismissed such reports saying these Syrians were part of a human smuggling ring, while pointing out that there was no evidence of terrorism links. In Malta, a Somali man has been arrested while another is on the run in connection with this case.
Questioned on the implications of the Paris attacks, Dr Busuttil expressed concern that the high number of residence permits and Algerian visas issued by the Labour government coupled with bribery allegations, were fuelling suspicions that the government was exposing the country to additional risks.
“What is happening? Is Malta being used as a stepping from Algeria to Paris or any other EU country? Does this increase security?” he questioned.
“The PM portrays himself as taking a tough stance against migration, but at the same time has opened the floodgates for foreigners to enter Malta,” he added.
Dr Busuttil said that while the Prime Minister was laughing off corruption claims regarding the Algerian visas, a recent Times of Malta online poll confirmed that people were very concerned on this matter.
Touching on Marlene Farrugia’s resignation from Labour’s Parliamentary group he said this was not a decision taken on the spur of the moment.
Referring to the incidents which happened in Parliament on Friday night, he said the Prime Minister should take action against Labour MP Joe Debono Grech.
“Failure by Dr Muscat to do so would mean he is endorsing the threats and intimidation which Mr Debono Grech made towards Dr Farrugia,” the PN leader said.
Describing her resignation as “a turning point”, Dr Busuttil said it would strengthen their resolve for two additional parliamentary seats in the wake of the court case regarding “the mistake” in the election result.
“This would mean that the PL’s majority could potentially go down to five seats if Dr Farrugia votes with the Opposition,” the PN leader said.
OPPOSITION LEADER'S SPEECH 'IRRESPONSIBLE' - OPM
The Office of the Prime Minister said Dr Busuttil’s speech was irresponsible and not worthy of a person occupying an institutional position in the country.
The Opposition leader, the OPM said, was doubting the collaborative work between the security forces of different countries which uncovered a racket of people who were travelling with false documents.
He seemed to wish there was a link with terrorism for Malta to be put in a bad light. He was also trying to endanger the country’s economy by trying to instill fear.
The OPM said that to use the Paris attacks was equally disgusting especially when the people known to have been involved in the attacks till now were European citizens.
The Opposition leader was using stereotypes and prejudice which crippled every political debate, the OPM said adding that the government would continue to work to safeguard the safety of the Maltese people.