Don't cast doubt on Community Chest Fund, President implores

Visibly perturbed about controversies surrounding his office, President George Abela yesterday appealed to people not to cast doubts on the Malta Community Chest Fund, which he chairs.

"Presidents come and go but there will always be people in need and we cannot let this stream dry up," he said solemnly at the launch of the annual August Moon Ball.

"My wife and I, together with my staff, will not stop as long as we are healthy and in this role."

Just last month, 159 people received financial assistance by the fund to the tune of €96,000, he said, adding that each year about €1 million was given to people who were sick or poor.

He thanked several sponsors for helping maximise the funds raised by the ball, stressing there were no complimentary tickets to the exclusive event to be held on August 7 at Verdala Palace.

"Every cent is audited by our accountants and external auditors. So let's be responsible about the questions we ask. It's OK to ask questions as long as the intentions are good," he said, in a possible reference to questions that had been raised about last year's L-Istrina fund-raising campaign.

The President's Office had remained mum until the last minute about the beneficiaries of the annual charity marathon. The Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations had complained that the MCCF had not registered as an NGO, meaning the money was technically raised outside the law.

Meanwhile, an inquiry is ongoing into whether the President's former right hand man, Olaf Terribile, leaked confidential documents to the press following a series of reports claiming financial irregularities and unorthodox employment within the President's Office and the MCCF.

Alfred Fiorini Lowell, former head of the Public Service Commission who is conducting the inquiry, has questioned a number of editors from various media organisations.