Those accused of corruption find ‘agony aunt’ in Labour Party

The Nationalist Party is accusing Labour leader Joseph Muscat of having no moral bearing where corruption is concerned after ousted Sliema mayor Nikki Dimech was interviewed on One TV on Friday night.

Those accused of corruption “have found in the Labour leader their agony aunt”, the PN said in a statement, after Mr Dimech was among many councillors invited on current affairs programme Affari Tagħna, presented by John Bundy.

“On one hand Dr Muscat tries to give the impression he is tough on corruption, but when push comes to shove he backs off and the real Dr Muscat is exposed – weak in front of corruption and a crying shoulder to those accused (of) corruption.”

The PN said it was shocking that Dr Muscat found it perfectly normal to associate himself and his party media with a “self-declared, bribe-seeking ex-mayor” for cheap political gain.

Dr Muscat’s statement on current affairs programme Bondi­plus last Monday that he had no difficulty in giving Mr Dimech the platform in the Labour media, was proof of his weakness in the face of corruption.

On Friday night Mr Dimech, who admitted in a police confession that he solicited a bribe in a tender process and is facing criminal charges, thanked Dr Muscat for giving him the opportunity on the Labour Party television station.

Throughout the interview Mr Dimech constantly protested his innocence and insisted he never asked for or accepted any bribe.