Parties cross swords on anti-corruption commission

The Labour and Nationalist parties crossed swords yesterday over the proposed changes to the Permanent Commission Against Corruption, with one party accusing the other of not doing enough to fight corrupt practices.

The issue was first raised by Labour, which reacted to Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi’s announcement that the government intended to give the commission more teeth as the country’s anti-corruption watchdog.

The party said it was about time Dr Gonzi realised the commission was impotent and ineffective and did not uncover one bit of corruption in its 22 years of existence.

“Finally, the Prime Minister is proposing that this commission does not remain wholly appointed by him and wanted a chairman to be appointed by the President and enjoying the support of two-thirds of Parliament,” it said. Yet, this was a half-hearted attempt because, it said, Dr Gonzi would still be in control by appointing the other two members of the commission.

The PL said it had been insisting for the past 15 years on appointing a special prosecutor who would assist the police in their investigations. This was now proposed by the government.

It said it would be moving amendments to the proposal in Parliament for the commission to truly serve as the primary tool against corruption.

In reaction, the PN slammed Labour saying it weak against corruption, adding that no one beat it for blabbing and mudslinging.

It pointed out the period the PL said it had been suggesting the appointment of a special prosecutor included the two years Labour was in office. “Labour led a government where corruption was institutionalised and never set up institutions that fought corruption,” it said. It had promised to set up the Ombudsman but in three legislatures it neither presented a Bill nor set up the institution and it now confirmed that what it promised it did not honour, the PN said.