In defence of Mepa's audit officer

Being a colleague at the Malta University, I had contact with Joe Falzon for many years. He is now not only an architect and a lecturer but also the Mepa audit officer.

Mr Falzon has always fulfilled his roles with zeal, integrity and uprightness. Being both an academic and a practical person he speaks the truth, without fear or favour, no matter how it hurts. Problems confront him all the time. His judgments, much appreciated by impartial people, follow after long study, thorough examinations and meticulous research. He weighs his decisions before submitting reports and publications. As a defensive stalwart of the much maligned and exploited environment, he follows the written rules. He speaks out bravely in what he believes is right.

Unfortunately, others often interpret these rules otherwise and to their advantage. Of course, a few vent their anger in destructive and volatile criticism. They do not offer an intelligent interpretation; they do not come out with a solution. Instead they camouflage their unnecessary verbosity by showering aspersions on character traits; they bring into question his administrative ability. His battle against his detractors has been going on for years. He has survived all onslaughts.

As the Mepa audit officer, he has every right to ensure that everyone involved in submitting or examining applications follows and obeys all Mepa procedures. Though submissive to authority, he certainly deserves no public chastisement.