VAT cases send wrong message - Muscat
Labour leader Joseph Muscat today referred to the sentences handed down by the courts in the VAT fraud cases last week, saying the wrong message was being given to those who observed the law.
Speaking on Super One Radio, Dr Muscat said the VAT Department abuses had been going on for years, going back to the time when Lawrence Gonzi was also Finance Minister. At the time, concerns expressed by the Auditor-General were ignored.
Dr Muscat said he hoped that the investigations into the scandal would not net just the small fish but also the sharks. This was the hour of those who claimed to be fighting corruption to prove themselves, Dr Muscat said.
Dr Muscat also referred to the contract awarded for the power station extension and said the PL would keep up its protests.
This was a €200 million projectand yet the system would have to be changed after seven years, he said.
The government had opted for this tender when it could have selected cleaner technology. The excess funds spent on this project could have been better spent on other projects, including the €4 million which would go on commissions.
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Gianni Xuereb
Sep 14th 2009, 10:32
@Mark Agius: pathetic
1) Laws are discussed and voted for in parliament. How can you say that government has nothing to do with the law and judiciary system ?
2) The Attorney General and the prosecution who presented the case are government employees.
3) This Commission for the Administration of Justice of Malta is set up under the relevant provisions of the Constitution , and is chaired by the President of Malta. It is composed of nine other members including the Chief Justice of Malta (Deputy Chairman), the Attorney General of Malta, two members elected by the judges of the Superior Courts for a period of four years, two members elected by the magistrates of the Inferior Courts for a period of four years, one member appointed by the Prime Minister of Malta for a period of four years and another member nominated by the Leader of the Opposition as well as the President of the Chamber of Advocates. The persons nominated by the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition must be at least forty-five years of age, and enjoy the respect of the public and have a reputation of integrity and honesty.
Sunny Said
Sep 14th 2009, 09:53
I totally agree with Joesph Muscat. The court case is like a joke which is telling the honest people to do anything they want because with money you can get away with anything you do. This is totally a joke! come on! I can fraud all the Maltese population and the government... and get away with a small fine!
G. Grech
Sep 14th 2009, 08:40
After the court "sentences" were delivered, I got the impression that the law system was now frauding the tax payer...
Mark Agius
Sep 14th 2009, 08:17
D Xerri - safejn naf jien il-Qorti u l-imhallfin m ghandhom xejn x jaqsmu mal-Gvern...
D. Xerri
Sep 13th 2009, 20:04
Dear GonziPN You had the chance to show us Your - PAR IDEJN SODI - You lost it Big Time!
malcolm seychell
Sep 13th 2009, 17:55
I perfectly agree with Joseph Muscat on this one.