The noble concept of a ‘greater Malta’

In the bilingual Maltese/English weekly newspaper The MalteseHerald (December 14), which celebrates its 50th anniversary in June, Foreign Affairs Minister Tonio Borg wrote that a Council for Maltese Living Overseas would be established by an Act ofParliament.

He further stated that thefirst reading of the proposed legislation has already gone beforeParliament.

Having myself briefly spoken to the minister on a number of occasions, both in Malta and in Australia, as well as having entered into correspondence with him, I am confident such legislation is being prepared in bona fide.

However, bearing in mind that this whole matter concerns us, overseas Maltese citizens, would Dr Borg kindly follow up on his ‘letter to the editor’ with a copy of the draft legislation so that, we, the protagonists, may peruse the material and perhaps even comment thereon? Such an approach would surely alleviate many, though not all, consequential tensions that may arise therefrom?

Ever mindful of the ideal and noble concept of a greater Malta (a topic I have written about many times on local newspapers), this would be an opportune moment for Malta to consolidate its good intentions, as expressed at the 2010 Convention of Overseas Maltese.

In anticipation of a favourable response, I cannot comment any further until I and other interested parties have become privy to the administration’s intentions and its modus operandi.

From this Maltese-Australian heart which often sings with pride Advance Australia Fair, may our dearly beloved Malta, little in size though great in spirit, also advance globally in this challenging age.