The duty to investigate

In order to evaluate recent issues, it would be beneficial that I quote fact on how this government has established a bespoke style of arrogant modus operandi. This is the government that, most times, ploughs on in an own pretentious manner and belief that no one knows better.

... if proven, (what is being alleged) should be considered as ‘crimes against the country’- Noel Farrugia

It is a government that has been squandering public funds and not heeding any advice from the opposition for years. A typical case is the continual damage being made to the Mtarfa bypass due to the mismanagement/flawed design of the project.

In a parliamentary question to Austin Gatt, Minister of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, last December 7, I asked what was causing the tarmac on the Mtarfa bypass to crack. Dr Gatt replied on January 23 saying that the damage was the result of the considerable volume of water running through the clay in the substrate, which is causing movement as reflected in the tarmac surface. He also proposed an expensive solution. Possibly more jobs for the boys.

This response was so typical. Wouldn’t it have been cheaper and easier to do the project correctly in the first place? I had brought this water problem to the attention of the ministers at the time as it was evident that this was going to be a problem.

I had even written to The Times on March 17, 2006 and explained the issue while suggesting a tried and tested solution: the use of a gabion system while the project was being constructed.

Why was my advice not heeded then? Why did public funds have to be squandered to pay for obstinate mismanagement? Why are we now, six years on, looking for another expensive solution to a problem that need not have existed in the first place? Why is it always the public who have to foot the bill for arrogance and incompetence? Why is there no accountability in this country?

Unfortunately, this is the only type of governance we have come to expect because no one dares to rattle anybody’s cage.

We can also consider the colourful events unfolding in politics of recent: speculation, insinuations, degrading insults and not only subliminal but even open threats over the airwaves and even on the streets.

The country was swiftly shifted into election mode after the emphasis made on the importance of parliamentary majority issues while overlooking the duty to react to the allegations of abuse of power and ill advice within the office of the Prime Minister.

It is evident to anyone worth his salt, that the two sides involved in this debacle cannot be right. The problem is who will resolve the trouble at the top? There is both the credibility of those making the allegations and, more importantly, the accountability of the accused.

Serious allegations have been made by a member of the ruling party against the Prime Minister. It is reasonable, therefore, to expect that both honourable gentlemen be brought to account for their public statements.

If what Franco Debono has alleged cannot be proven, then he should be investigated by an independent authority. On the other hand, if what he has alleged is found to be the truth, then action should be taken to remove the Prime Minister from office and also prosecute him.

Let us not forget, either, that the Prime Minister has publicly conceded that some of Dr Debono’s concerns were, in fact, true. The seriousness of the situation was such that Dr Debono felt it was appropriate to inform the President of the Republic in a meeting they had on the issue.

It is most unfortunate that this country’s institutions have become malignantly riddled with vile Machiavellian spin on the truth. The character assassination of an MP is unacceptable in this day and age.

This is not a one-off either because, not too long ago, we had a similar scenario with John Dalli, a case that had lingering sores.

Such a situation is not only appalling but also stomach-churning to any decent, level-headed citizen. When will we stop this abuse and eradicate the culture of “the untouchables”?

An MP is forced to publicly air his frustration on GonziPN, in his own words, broadcast across the media, a “circle of evil – pure evil that surrounds the Prime Minister”. He alleges that he was brushed aside, taken for a ride and even sent on fool’s errands not to upset the Prime Minister’s merry men’s comfortably-stacked apple cart. This is not only outright scandalous but, if proven, should be considered as “crimes against the country”. If true, this would be, at the very least, a case of guilt by association if not intent.

Why is it that nobody is ever held to account in this country while resources are squandered to the benefit of just the select GonziPlus band? Is it not the duty of the Attorney General and the Police Commissioner to investigate such accusations made in public?

Unfortunately, it is those controlling such institutions that are the problem! What is it that leaves such authorities impotent? Is this not also only one of the very same issues that Dr Debono voiced concern over?

Who will answer our questions?

Thus, in the name of true democracy and in the name of our fundamental right to honest and transparent governance as citizens, I publicly appeal to all the relevant authorities to take Dr Debono’s allegations seriously and to honourably do their duty by investigating such allegations and hold those responsible to account by bringing them to book. This is the very least that our country deserves.

The author is opposition spokesman for international development aid.