Revealing survey by Misco

A report from Brussels (November 10) confirms, if there ever was any doubt, that the Maltese in general are bigots and, yes, racists, whether they want to admit it or not. A survey conducted by Misco in May, published by the European Commission, shows that many Maltese (73 per cent) would not accept a leader of a different ethnic origin, which means simply that a black Maltese citizen would be most unwelcome as a Prime Minister. This is an insult to me both as a human being and a Maltese (apart from the fact that we profess to be Christians).

And there is more! The results show that 45 per cent would be very uncomfortable if the person were gay or lesbian! And although they would be fine having a woman as Prime Minister, 78 per cent would feel uncomfortable. And, oh yes, I almost forgot, whoever is elected must be a Roman Catholic (69 per cent). That's a tall order, to put it mildly.

No wonder the survey's results show that discrimination in Malta, with regard to ethnic origin and sexual orientation, is widespread.

To add injury to insult, at no time was there any mention of (and this is paramount) whether the PM in waiting must be, for example, well versed and educated to mark him as an eligible candidate, and whether he's got what it takes to make him a Prime Minister, regardless of his colour, religion, gender or sexual orientation. As usual, what happened here was a clear indication of what goes on in many a Maltese (simple) mind when confronted with these issues of race, sexual orientation and religion. I, as a Maltese national, pity those surveyed (for their narrow mindedness) and declare openly and totally, without reserve, that I disapprove and abhor their opinions, ideals and beliefs, although nevertheless I do respect them, with great reserve, of course.

Right now I feel ashamed to be Maltese. And by that I mean a real Maltese and a real Christian. Because at the end of the day being Christian means nothing in this context. What it shows is that, as I said earlier, most of us are a lot of bigots, nothing more, nothing less.

One final thing. This letter is not meant to insult anyone. As a Maltese I feel deeply hurt by the Misco survey and what I'm trying to do is convey a message to those who can't seem to see logic to try and understand and see things in perspective and for what they truly are.

Please, leave colour, race, gender, sexual orientation and religion out of the equation, otherwise there is the grave chance of us moving backwards instead of forward in this 21st century.