Advert

Fenech distances himself from former secretary

Tonio Fenech

Tonio Fenech

Finance Minister Tonio Fenech has distanced himself from a former member of his secretariat, who admitted bribery charges in court last week.

Noel Borg Hedley, 67, from Gżira admitted to receiving bribes from property developers JPM Brothers to reduce or waive fees owed to government departments that fell under the Finance Ministry in 2008. Mr Borg Hedley had been Mr Fenech’s canvasser and a member of the secretariat until 2007.

“The minister was not involved in any way in this case. He became aware of the allegations on November 5 last year and immediately referred the case to the police,” a spokesman for Mr Fenech said yesterday.

Mr Borg Hedley’s case has particular significance because, in 2009, JPM Brothers were contracted by Mr Fenech to perform works on his private residence in Balzan. The job ended in controversy after a subcontractor appointed by JPM Brothers alleged he was told the works on Mr Fenech’s residence were “a favour” in return for the minister’s alleged help to enable JPM Brothers sell the Jerma Palace Hotel.

Mr Fenech denied the allegations and instituted libel proceedings on the matter.

The court conditionally discharged Mr Borg Hedley, who was also given a perpetual interdiction.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com

Advert

14 Comments

Post comment

Comments are submitted under the express understanding and condition that the editor may, and is authorised to, disclose any/all of the above personal information to any person or entity requesting the information for the purposes of legal action on grounds that such person or entity is aggrieved by any comment so submitted.

At this time your comment will not be displayed immediately upon posting. Please allow some time for your comment to be moderated before it is displayed.

Your User Profile is incomplete.
Please click here to complete your profile before posting comments.

Mr Carmelo Micallef

May 16th 2011, 19:40

It is time for PN to distance itself from Tonio Fenech ... the man seems to be totally disassociated from reality

Mr Patrick Zammit

May 16th 2011, 10:00

Everybody is equal, but some are more equal than others.

Stephen Koludrovic

May 16th 2011, 10:50

Animal farm should be the bible for all aspiring politicians.

Advert
Advert