A university decision to prohibit the use of Maltese in examinations has been criticised by the Malta University Film Club.

The club said in a statement that the use of Maltese was being prohibited as of June.

While it was aware of the importance of English and understood the need for the university to be international, it believed that the optional use of Maltese should remain permissible.

The Maltese Constitution established English and Maltese as equal official languages but it only established Maltese as a national language.

So the university's decision was contrary to the spirit of the constitution and to the principle of not placing one language in a more supreme position to another in a bilingual society.

"The international element is served by means of having tuition in English and by means of having the exam papers in English but is in no way disturbed by allowing Maltese native speakers making use of their native language.

"The Malta University Film Club is thus calling on all those who appreciate the value of our native language to call on the University of Malta to reverse this decision."

The club affirmed it believed in local talent, local heritage and a strong and vibrant Maltese culture.